NOTE: Approval of applications for both CDA Vouchers and Rising STARS Tuition Assistance will be temporarily delayed as available funding is being assessed.  Your applications will be accepted. Final approval may extend into the first weeks of July 2025.

CDA Voucher Program

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Administered by the Pennsylvania Key on behalf of the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), the Rising STAR Tuition Assistance (RSTA) program covers a portion of tuition costs and fees for early childhood educators and professionals enrolled in eligible college coursework.

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 $425 is paid directly to the Council for Professional Recognition. This program does not reimburse individuals.

The Pennsylvania Key also offers a voucher for $125 to cover an individual’s CDA Renewal Fee.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for funding consideration, applicants must meet ALL of the following requirements:

  • 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 ONE of these:

  • 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.

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.

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