professional development incentives 2025-26
The Smart Start Professional Development Incentives (PDI) Application for 2025-2026 has been released!
You may be eligible for this program if you are working in a Caswell County, Division of Child Development and Early Education regulated facility in the capacity of lead teacher, teacher assistant, director, or family child care home provider.
Goals of the Professional Development Incentives Program: reduce turnover, increase compensation, and support degree completion for Caswell County’s Early Childhood Professionals.
If you’re unsure if you qualify, take a minute to click on this link and answer a few questions to help inform your decision to apply:
The application, guidelines, and a FAQ are located on the Professional Development Incentives page of our website at https://www.caswellchildren.org/professional-development-incentives
Applications due no later than May 14, 2026.
Keep in Mind:
-Early Educator Certification (EEC) is required and is processed through an outside agency so we suggest applying early for the EEC (January or February) if you do not already have this.
-If you do not already have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, you must successfully complete one college course leading to this degree.
-If this is your first time applying for PDI, we recommend contacting us to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.