The Iowa Department of Education awarded nine additional Iowa school districts nearly $600,000 in a new round of Credentials to Child Care Careers grants after its pilot program last summer. The grants support districts in helping students receive a national child development associate (CDA) credential through family and consumer science programs, according to a news release. In Central Iowa, Des Moines Public Schools and Marshalltown received grants as well as Central Lyon, Charles City, Clear Creek Amana, Harlan, Iowa City, Le Mars and Woodbine. The CDA is a nationally recognized credential in early childhood education awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, which advances career pathways for early childhood educators. Obtaining the CDA credential requires coursework, experience in the field and a demonstration assessment during which the student is observed while working with children. District awardees will receive course curriculum that meets both the professional development requirements outlined by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services for employees of Iowa licensed child care centers and the classroom requirements for a CDA credential. Additionally, districts can use their grant awards to cover allowable costs, such as student exam fees, textbooks, CDA course materials, student stipends, licensed child care partner stipends and other approved expenses that help remove barriers to participation.