If you work in child care in Maryland, we have exciting news for you! We are delighted to announce that early childhood educators in Maryland are now eligible to receive full funding to apply for their Child Development Associate® (CDA). Find out more about this opportunity for Maryland-based educators and learn how to submit your funding application below. Funding is limited, so apply today!
This program is a partnership between the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Early Childhood, Maryland Family Network, and the Council for Professional Recognition. Our unique partnership, sponsored by a Maryland State Department of Education grant, provides funding to support Maryland-based child care providers in obtaining the CDA credential.
All registered family child care providers and licensed child care center staff who work in Maryland are eligible.
This grant covers the following:
Since funding is limited, we encourage applicants to submit applications as expediently as possible.
The CDA is a globally recognized early childhood education credential. Over 800,000 CDA credentials have been issued to early childhood professionals since 1985. Learn more about the Child Development Associate® (CDA) here.
The CDA is an important stepping stone in every early childhood educator’s career. It demonstrates knowledge, skills and abilities when working with young children, as well as commitment to career advancement and professionalism.
Candidates from all levels of education and experience gain professional development insights from the CDA certification process, since the evaluation curriculum addresses key practices in the constantly evolving early childhood education field.
The credential opens up opportunities for further career development in early childhood education, and is among the top 20 most requested certifications by employers, according to Indeed.
Ready to apply to earn your CDA credential? If so, applying for funding to cover your application fees is easy! Follow these 3 steps to apply.
1. Set up your profile through the Council for Professional Recognition
First, create an account in the CDA application system. Once you have created an account, you will be assigned a 7-digit customer number ID number, which you will use to complete the next step in the process.
If you are applying to renew your CDA: first, log into YourCouncil to access your 7-digit customer ID number.
2. Apply for funding through the MSDE
Next, complete the Maryland State Department of Education funding form, including your 7-digit customer ID number.
3. Complete your CDA application payment using the Maryland State Department of Education voucher
Last, once you are ready to begin preparing for your CDA exam, you may finalize your application payment on YourCouncil by using the Maryland State Department of Education voucher number that you will receive via email.
This email will arrive after your employment status has been verified by the Maryland State Department of Education (which may take up to 10 days). Please enter your voucher number at “check out” to complete the payment process.
We look forward to receiving your application!
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This publication was produced as a work for hire for the benefit of, and with funds from, the Maryland State Department of Education.
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Chief Operations Officer
Andrew Davis serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Council. In this role, Andrew oversees the Programs Division, which includes the following operational functions: credentialing, growth and business development, marketing and communications, public policy and advocacy, research, innovation, and customer relations.
Andrew has over 20 years of experience in the early care and education field. Most recently, Andrew served as Senior Vice President of Partnership and Engagement with Acelero Learning and Shine Early Learning, where he led the expansion of state and community-based partnerships to produce more equitable systems of service delivery, improved programmatic quality, and greater outcomes for communities, children and families. Prior to that, he served as Director of Early Learning at Follett School Solutions.
Andrew earned his MBA from the University of Baltimore and Towson University and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland – University College.
Chief Financial Officer
Jan Bigelow serves as Chief Financial Officer at the Council and has been with the organization since February of 2022.
Jan has more than 30 years in accounting and finance experience, including public accounting, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. She has held management-level positions with BDO Seidman, Kiplinger Washington Editors, Pew Center for Global Climate Change, Communities In Schools, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and American Humane. Since 2003, Jan has worked exclusively in the non-profit sector where she has been a passionate advocate in improving business operations in order to further the mission of her employers.
Jan holds a CPA from the State of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lycoming College. She resides in Alexandria VA with her husband and dog.
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