The Mississippi Child Development Associate Scholarship Program encourages early childhood teachers and caregivers to earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Awarded by the national Council for Professional Recognition, the CDA credential indicates an individual’s teaching competence.

The Mississippi Child Development Associate Scholarship Program provides scholarships for recipients to take three required college courses and provides mentors to help recipients complete the CDA process. The MSU Early Childhood Institute established this scholarship program in 2006 with funding by the Day Foundation of Memphis. The Mississippi Department of Human Services provided additional funding in 2007.

Monnie Vail directs the Mississippi Child Development Associate Scholarchip Program.