NWPDO Student Application Form
If you are interested in receiving NWPDO funding please fill in the student application below. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee funding, and funding will be offered based on availability.
CDA Update
Candidates who achieve a qualifying level of competence on the CDA® exam, when considered alongside the full set of CDA requirements, including training, work experience, and the professional portfolio, may now be eligible for an expedited award decision, which does not require a verification visit.
What’s new:
- The Council can make an award decision without a verification visit for candidates who clearly demonstrate competence through their performance on the CDA® exam.
- Candidates will now upload their CDA® Professional Portfoliodigitally at the time of application via scanned documents or photos, ending the need for paper portfolios.
- This enhancement strengthens efficiency, equity, and timeliness while maintaining the rigor, integrity, and credibility that have defined the CDA for 50 years.
2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid Now Open!
The Department of Education opened the 2026–2027 FAFSA on September 24, 2025, earlier than its usual October 1 launch—the earliest start in program history.
Why It Matters:
An early start gives students, especially unaccompanied homeless youth and foster youth, more time to gather required documentation.
What’s New:
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Instant FSA ID verification so students can begin the FAFSA right after creating an account.
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Simpler student and parent invitations for contributors.
Action for K-12 Staff:
Identify and provide FAFSA determinations for homeless and foster youth, host financial aid nights, and connect students with higher education liaisons or financial aid staff.
Action for Financial Aid Offices:
Ensure policies meet requirements and process determinations for homeless and foster youth within 60 days of enrollment.
Are You Eligible?
We support current and aspiring early childhood educators pursuing:
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials
- Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education
- Coursework to meet certification or professional growth goals
Have questions? Contact us at info@nwpdo.org
How We Help
- Tuition assistance for eligible coursework
- Career advising and coaching
- Support navigating degree pathways
- Partnerships with regional colleges and universities
FAQ
Is PDO funding currently available?
Funding availability varies by college, university, and degree program. Please verify that your selected school and program are eligible for funding before enrollment.
Who qualifies for PDO services?
Educators working in licensed child care and/or Pre-K Counts programs may qualify for tuition support and advising services.
What degrees are covered?
PDO funding supports CDA coursework, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and select certification coursework in early childhood education.
Eligibility Requirements for Students
Are your staff members eligible?
Find out More About Student Eligibility Requirements.
• Be a Pennsylvania resident
• Be a current employee at a PA DHS certified child care program
or a state-funded PA PKC program for 3 months or more or demonstrate employment
history of 6 months in PA DHS certified child career a state-funded PA PKC
program, if newly hired. o Participants actively enrolled in PDO activities
will not be impacted by change of employer if the new employer is a certified
child care program or a state-funded PA PKC program. o Child Care employment
may be verified through the participant’s PD Registry account with a status of
“verified by program”.
• Work a minimum average of 25 hours per week directly in a PA DHS
certified child care program or a state-funded PA PKC program or a combination
of both.
• For child care directors/assistant directors make no more than
$30.00 per hour; for child care teachers, assistant teachers and aides make no
more than $25.00 per hour
• Have a GPA and course grades that meet transfer requirements; a
watch plan will be developed for participants not meeting transfer requirements
• Sign a Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education Commitment Form
(Appendix D)