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Professional Development Incentive Awards (PDIA)

PDIAs are available to practitioners working at least 15 hours a week in a licensed/registered child care facility. An individual must have a current Practitioner Registry Certificate at the time of application. The ECP will check you registry status online upon receipt of your application.  Applicants may apply for one of the two programs.

PDIA (formerly called Merit Pay I) - This award has been developed with the goal of improving the quality of early care and education for young children and families through high quality, intentional, and informal education (not for college credit.  Applicants choose one of two tracks:  25 hours of training for $200 or 50 hours of training for $400.  Visit www.mtecp.org for complete details and to access applications.

PDIA Higher Education (formerly called Higher Education Merit Pay) - This award has been developed with the goal of improving the quality of early care and education for young children and families, by promoting early childhood education college coursework, certificate and degree attainment.  Applicants may apply for $250 for completion of 2-5 college credits or $750 for completion at least 6 college credits.  Visit www.mtecp.org for complete details and to access applications.

Infant Toddler Merit Pay - Applicants may receive a $500 award upon successful completion of the 60-hour Montana Infant/Toddler training course. Upon completion, an additional $1600 Infant/Toddler Stipend may be available.

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