Funding Update: The State Budget passed on November 12th. Once funding is received at the Pennsylvania Key, funding will be released to approved applicants seeking financial assistance. At this time, there is no specific time frame to anticipate funding, however, once received, funds will be distributed. 
Two Messages about the upcoming transition to International Education Evaluation:

Beginning Dec. 1, 2025 – No Cost Foreign Degree Evaluation

OCDEL and the Pennsylvania Key have developed an initiative to better support the Early Childhood Education workforce in Pennsylvania. Foreign Degree evaluations for individuals will be provided by the Educational Credential Evaluators at no cost. More information can be found at pakeys.org/international-education-evaluation.

Regarding Foreign Degree Evaluation (FDE) Reimbursement

If you are in the process of getting your international transcript or diplomas evaluated, you may still submit a voucher following the FDE Reimbursement process (pakeys.org/fde-process). This program will end on Dec. 31. 2025.

If you have not started the FDE process, begin the new process below!

CDA Voucher Program

What's new? Get the latest early childhood education (ECE) information and resources directly to your inbox.

The Pennsylvania Key CDA Assessment Fee Voucher Program supplies payment for the CDA Assessment Fee that is required to complete the CDA Assessment process. The full CDA Assessment Fee of $525 is paid directly to the Council for Professional Recognition. This program does not reimburse individuals.

The Pennsylvania Key also offers a voucher for $250 to cover an individual’s CDA Renewal Fee.

NOTE: You are only eligible for one initial voucher in each classroom setting you serve. After receiving your Credential, you become eligible to apply for CDA renewal vouchers every three (3) years, pending available funding.   

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for funding consideration, applicants must meet ONE of these:

  • A resident of Pennsylvania;
  • Working in that program at least 20 hours per week, unless working in a CTE program. If you are currently a student in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program you may submit documentation on school letterhead indicating enrollment and that you are currently working in a STARS facility. (Meeting the 20 hours weekly will be waived.)
  • Completed application on the CDA Council (cdacouncil.org) website with a “Checkout” Application Status.
  • Submitted all required documentation in the application. (Listed below.)

Applicants must meet ALL of the following requirements:

  • A PA DHS registered family child care practitioner that is designated as a STAR 1 or higher;
  • A PA DHS certified group child care home practitioner that is designated as a STAR 1 or higher;
  • Employed in a PA DHS certified child care center/registered home that is designated as a STAR 1 or higher; OR
  • Participating in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program

Required Documentation for Application

The following documents must be submitted with your application. Incomplete applications or those submitted with missing documents may result in delayed or rejected funding.

Completed Application

Complete application on the CDA Council (cdacouncil.org) website with a “Checkout” Application Status (see example).

Employer Attestation Form

This form should be completed by the Director/Owner of your current employer. NOTE: This form is not required for CTE students.

Current DHS Certificate of Compliance

This should be obtained from the Director/Owner of your current employer.

Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education Professional Development Commitment Form

This form serves as a statement to explain the requirements of participation and an attestation to receiving funding.

¡El formulario también está disponible en español!

How To Apply

Beginning July 1, 2019, all applications for the CDA Voucher will be submitted and reviewed in Pennsylvania’s PD Registry. No paper applications will be processed. Click the Learn How button for an in-depth tipsheet.

Apply NowLearn How
Contact