MI-YDA Scholarship


The Michigan Youth Development Associate Credential supports quality programs for school-age youth by providing standards for training and evaluation. The Credential program represents the combined efforts of representatives from school-age and youth groups across Michigan to define competencies for youth development professionals in our state.

The Michigan Youth Development Associate Credential is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. The credential must be renewed within 60 days of the initial expiration date, and every 3 years thereafter. The date of issuance and the date of expiration are printed on the credential.

TEACH Early Childhood® Michigan can provide financial support for eligible applicants to receive 85% of the MI-YDA Credential Fee ($299)


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MI-YDA Credential Eligibility Requirements


The applicant must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

  • Must be age 18 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent; OR
  • Must be enrolled as a junior or senior in a high school Career and Technical Education program in the Education & Training Career Cluster1.
  • Provide documentation of current first aid and Adult/Child CPR certification and blood-borne pathogen training (may not be included in the 120 hours of training required below).
  • Three hours of program observation must be completed and documented. The three hours must be completed in one of the following ways:
    • A single setting for three continuous hours.
    • Two settings of one and a half hours each either at the same program or at two different programs.
    • Three settings of one hour each either at the same program or at up to three different programs.
  • Complete and document 120 hours of training (within the past five years). At least ten hours of training must be in each of the ten content areas. You can have MORE than ten hours of training for each content area, but not less.
    • Content Area 1 – Child/Youth Growth and Development
    • Content Area 2 – Learning Environments and Curriculum
    • Content Area 3 – Child/Youth Observation and Assessment
    • Content Area 4 – Relationships Interactions with Children and Youth
    • Content Area 5 – Youth Engagement, Voice and Choice
    • Content Area 6 – Equity and Inclusion
    • Content Area 7 – Family, School, and Community Relationships
    • Content Area 8 – Safety and Wellness
    • Content Area 9 – Program Planning and Development
    • Content Area 10 – Professional Development and Leadership
  • Note: A maximum of 12 hours of training based on the Core Competencies that is conducted during staff meetings may be used.
  • Complete 480 hours of work/volunteer experience with youth in out-of-school time programs within the past five years.
  • Provide documentation of membership in the Michigan After-School Partnership (MASP) or the National AfterSchool Association (NAA).

Additional TEACH Scholarship Eligibility Requirements


  • Must be working a minimum of 20 hours per week (can be averaged through the calendar year) in a licensed program
  • Must not earn more than $29.90/hour

MI-YDA Assessment and Renewal Scholarship Award
  • TEACH pays 80% of MI-YDA Credential Fee or MI-YDA Renewal Fee
  • Recipient or employer is responsible for remaining portion
  • $150 Quality Improvement Stipend per semester to recipient and employer for those working in a licensed child care program that has moved beyond Maintaining Health and Safety in Great Start to Quality.
  • $200 bonus from TEACH for MI-YDA Credential attainment and $50 bonus from TEACH for MI-YDA renewal
  • Commitment to remain in the field of early childhood education for at least 6 months after credential attainment

Note: There are two components to applying for a MI-YDA Credential or Renewal Scholarship

  1. Apply for the MI-YDA Credential
  2. Apply for a TEACH MI-YDA Assessment or Renewal Scholarship