Dear [Minnesota] Professional Development Specialists,
We would like to make you aware that Child Care Aware of Minnesota offers a stipend of $300 when you
complete an observation visit for educators who have completed a MNCDA or MNITCDA learning community,
and/or who have received a CDA Award (grant).
A general description of the stipend is below. Details and contact information can be found at our website
www.childcareawaremn.org/cda
Best wishes as you assist educators who are pursuing a CDA credential!
Child Care Aware of Minnesota
CDA Professional Development Specialist Stipend
The CDA Professional Development Specialist Stipend (PDS Stipend) recognizes the education and experience of
Professional Development Specialists (PD Specialists) by supplementing the honorarium offered by the Council
for Professional Recognition upon completion of a CDA verification visit. At this time, the $300 stipend is limited
to PD Specialists who have completed a verification visit for educators who completed the MNCDA or MNITCDA
through a Child Care Aware of Minnesota training sponsor. The stipend is also offered after completing a
verification visit for educators who have received a CDA Award.
• Eligible PD Specialists must have a current Develop membership with a minimum Career Lattice Step of
9d. A step of 9d aligns with the minimum education requirements for a PD Specialist as set by the Council
for Professional Recognition.
• Eligible observation visits must occur within three months of the start date of the current CDA Award
application round*.
Applications for the PDS Stipend are accepted at any time.
*Grants are awarded in February, May, August, and November.