Professional Development

After you have acquired the mandatory training for the state of Florida for child care providers, we encourage you to continue and earn your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or the Florida Equivalent to the CDA.  The more you know, the more fun and meaningful your job becomes to you and the children and families you serve.   For more information on the National (CDA) Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) please visit www.cdacouncil.org

What are the Options for Obtaining a CDA or Equivalent?

The Department of Early Childhood Education at Okaloosa Walton Community College and Pensacola Junior College and Locklin Technical Center offers several options for individuals seeking a CDA or Florida CDA Equivalent.  Assistance with the cost of attending classes can be meet though; a Pell Grant (forms at institutions), T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Program (forms at Education Center, Fort Walton Beach or the Children Services Center Training Room, Pensacola).   You can also learn more about TEACH Scholarship program at the Florida Children's Forum website at www.fcforum.org.

Flyer on CDA Options at Pensacola Junior College 

Flyer on CDA Options at Okaloosa Walton Community College 

Flyer on CDA Options at Locklin Technical Center, Milton

Money Options to help pay for training and professional development

Pell Grants help assist low income students seeking degrees at college.   

    At Okaloosa Walton Community College you can take college credit class CHD 2322 Programs for Young Children and it contains the 40hrs (20 hr. Introduction to Child Care, 10hr. Behavioral Observation and 10hr. Children with Special Needs) of the mandatory child care training.  Then you take other Early Childhood courses towards the CDA credential and an AS degree or AA degree.

T.E.A.C.H Scholarship Program, through the Florida Childrens Forum.   

    TEACH is a scholarship program to help providers obtain their national CDA/ Florida CDA Equivalent or two year degree.  The provider pays a small percentage of the cost of training.  Applications can be obtain at the Education Center in Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach or at the RACC Training room, Suite 230, at Children's Service Center at 3300 N. Pace Blvd. in Pensacola.  To learn more about the TEACH scholarship please go the Florida Children's Forum website at www.fcforum.org.  Or you can call the training coordinating agency at  1-800-896-8190 for more information.  

Training Funds from Goodwill Industries Flyer

    If you have a child under age 19, are employed, and household income is under $30,520. for a family of 3 you may benefit from this program.  

Need to renew your National (CDA) 

Child Development Associate Credential? 

The first renewal is three years after obtaining the credential, 

and every five years afterwards. 

You will need to contact the CDA Council at 1-800-424-4310 for a renewal packet.