Indiana Non-Formal Project

Indiana Non-Formal Project

Adult Education Support through the Indiana Non Formal Project helps participants build foundational skills and confidence—designed to align with your CDA® training every step of the way.

Strengthening Skills Through Adult Education Support

Strengthening Skills Through Adult Education Support

The Indiana Non-Formal Project scholarships are made possible through funding from the Child Care Development Block Grant awarded to the Office of Early Childhood, and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL), a division of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), and the Indiana Division of Workforce Development (DWD) funds provided to local Adult Education Programs. The project is administered by the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children, Inc. (INAEYC). “Indiana AEYC directly provides the CDA® training in partnership with OECOSL, Department of Workforce Development and local Adult Education Programs!

The Indiana Non-Formal Project is made possible through generous funding from state and workforce partners dedicated to advancing early childhood education.

Download Our Non-Formal CDA Map
Download Our Non-Formal CDA Map
DWD Partners Fiscal Year End Reports
DWD Partners Fiscal Year End Reports

Strengthening Skills Through Adult Education Support

Your Path to the CDA® Credential Starts Here

Your Path to the CDA® Credential Starts Here

The Indiana Non-Formal Project is a scholarship-supported training opportunity that helps early childhood educators earn their nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA®) Credential. Designed to improve the quality of care and education for Indiana’s youngest learners, this no-cost program includes coursework, professional development support, and assistance through every step of the credentialing process.

Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential. The CDA® is a nationally recognized credential awarded to individuals who complete specified training, pass an exam and complete an assessment. The CDA® prepares those seeking opportunities to work in early childhood education to meet children’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth. The Child Development Associate Credential™ is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and is a key step in early childhood education’s professional development.

The Indiana Non-Formal Project is a scholarship program helps early childhood educators complete the professional early childhood education, and assessment necessary to apply for, and earn the national Child Development Associate® (CDA®) Credential™ administered by the Council for Professional Recognition.

The Indiana Non-Formal Project scholarships are made possible through funding from the Child Care Development Block Grant awarded to the Office of Early Childhood, and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL), a division of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), and the Indiana Division of Workforce Development (DWD) funds provided to local Adult Education Programs. The project is administered by the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children, Inc. (INAEYC).

The CDA® training course includes 120 clock-hours of face-to-face, virtual or hybrid training, taught by instructors contracted by INAEYC. The instructors have met the qualifications and experience required, which includes a master’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or Special Education with experience in early childhood teacher credentialing.

During the course the instructors will provide guidance through each step of the course and credentialing process. This includes development of a professional portfolio and preparation for the CDA® final exam.

Adult Education Support

Receive additional support relating to early childhood workforce practices and skills needed to succeed from the local Adult Education Program, provided in partnership with INAEYC. Services provided will be based on individual Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) Assessment scores and provided simultaneously and contextually with the CDA® early childhood education course based on the Council’s Essentials textbook.

Professional Development Support

Receive guidance through each step of the CDA® early childhood education course and credentialing process from a team of specialists: on-site, virtual and hybrid advisor visits; development of professional portfolio and preparation of CDA final exam and credentialing process.

Empowers early childhood educators with greater knowledge by advancing their skills, enabling them to better meet children’s individual needs and enhance the overall quality of care and education.

Is recognized nationally, enhancing career opportunities for the early childhood educator no matter where he or she works.

The CDA® Early Childhood Education course provided through the Indiana Non-Formal Project is available to individuals at no cost contingent upon meeting the eligibility criteria established relating to financial and service need. The scholarship supports the cost of instruction, textbooks, adult education support and advisor services, and final CDA® assessment/credentialing.

Earn a $200 bonus awarded upon the successful completion of 120 clock-hours of CDA® Early Childhood Education and the awarding of the CDA® Credential.

WHO PROVIDES THE TRAINING?

Indiana AEYC directly provides the CDA® training in partnership with OECOSL, Department of Workforce Development and local Adult Education Programs. Please contact Indiana AEYC directly for the class nearest you.

Indiana Non-Formal CDA® Project applicants must:

  • Be a resident of Indiana who is at least 18 years old.
  • Employed in a childcare center, childcare home, or childcare ministry that is licensed, registered, or certified as a LLEP CCDF provider by OECOSL.
  • Hold a High School Diploma OR High School Equivalency Diploma
  • Work 20 or more hours per week in Indiana.
  • Have a current Criminal History / Background check on file with the FSSA, Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning (OECOSL).

*You must meet these criteria to be eligible for an Indiana Non-Formal CDA® scholarship.

We have courses being planned for 2026. Please reach out to pd@inaeyc.org for more information.

Indiana Non-Formal Project Interest Form

You must meet these criteria in order to apply for an Indiana Non-Formal Project training scholarship. Note: Select wage criteria option that applies to you currently.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, please stop the inquiry process and try again once the criteria have been met.

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