Credit Programs
Tuition-Free Child Development Associate Credential
Through grant-sponsored funding made available from the Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organization (ECE PDO) at PASSHE, you can earn a Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential at no cost! The CDA is a great stepping stone to advance your career.
How Can You Qualify for Free Tuition?
- You must be a Pennsylvania resident.
- You must be a current employee at a certified child care program for 3 months or more or demon-strate employment history of 6 months in child care if you are newly hired.
- Students actively enrolled in PDO activities will not be impacted by a change of employer, as long as the new employer is a certified child care program.
- You must work a minimum of 25 hours per week directly in a certified child care program.
- You must be interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college toward an AA or BA degree, or a CDA credential.
What are the Benefits?
According to a 2019 survey of Certified Bookkeepers (CBs) by Lewis & Clark, Raleigh, NC:
- On successful completion of 120 hours of coursework, you will be prepared for the CDA credentialing exam!
- Textbooks are provided at no cost and are yours to keep on successful course completion.
- A lending library of technical supports (loaner laptop and Wi-Fi “hotspot”) throughout the course is available based on need and a first-come/first-served basis.
- Support from and access to a Student Success Coach.
- Free online tutoring support at tutor.com.
- A professional review of your work prior to your credentialing submission.
Student Testimonials
“I’m learning things that I haven’t known before, and it will benefit me in the future as I work at the daycare and interact with young children.”
“The professors I have dealt with while working toward my education have been accommodating and kind. They are helping me be the best student I can be.”
“It is very convenient to take classes online while working full time. My professors have all been great and provided support. I have learned so much over the last two semesters and have implemented so much of it in my classroom!”
“I feel these classes are helping me become a better professional because I understand what my students need and are going through. It is very rewarding for me when my students can master the skills I taught him or her, and it helps me understand I am doing something right as a teacher.
Visit ecepdo.org to learn more, including how others have earned their CDA!
Program Questions & Academic Advising
Tamara Smith-Moore
PD Coordinator
Professional Development
Decribe why I’d want to fill this out. What’s in it for me? Is Interest Form the best title for this?
