1. 1 Child Development Associate (CDA) Scholarship FY2009 Program Expansion Board of Early Education and Care September 9, 2008

2. 2 CDA Scholarship Program Expansion The FY2009 Budget earmarks $250,000 for Child Development Associate (CDA) scholarships (line item 3000-6050). CDA is a national credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition. Credentials are issued for family child care, center- based (infant/toddler and preschool), and home visiting. CDA = Specialized training in early childhood education and EEC Lead Teacher qualified

3. 3 CDA Scholarship FY2008 Program Information EEC currently administers a scholarship program for eligible* educators to support CDA application costs. Educators submit scholarship voucher to Council in lieu of payment. 171 applicants approved - 43% vouchers redeemed. 49% of applicants are FCC providers or approved FCC assistants. ~$21,975 paid to Council for vouchers/~$28,325 still outstanding. *To be eligible for the CDA Scholarship applicants must be residence of Massachusetts, working in an EEC licensed or license-exempt program, and have a family income at or below 100% SMI.

4. 4 CDA Scholarship Existing Program Challenges Scholarship not well connected to other professional development initiatives, including academic support; Educators seeking CDA may still have limited or no access to higher education institutions; and Cost for the required education and observation components are not currently supported in the scholarship.

5. 5 FY2009 CDA Scholarship Recommendation EEC is proposing to: Continue funding direct CDA Scholarships with enhanced outreach (~$50,000); and Issue a competitive RFR to establish new or expand existing CDA Scholarship programs that can provide: a cohort model, college credit for CDA attainment, and direct links to further professional development opportunities (~$200,000).

6. 6 FY2009 CDA Scholarship Proposal: Recommendation Proposal will: Facilitate access to college for ECE educators in accordance with Governor’s Education Action Agenda; Provide a continuum of professional development for ECE educators in agreement with EEC’s Workforce Development Plans Promote college credit for CDA as recommended by the EEC/OST Workforce Task Force; Enable educators to meet EEC child care center qualifications and CPC/UPK requirements for FCC; Support non-traditional students; and Provide access to professional development opportunities for ELL educators as legislatively required in EEC’s updated enabling statute.