scholarships for early childhood teachers

t.e.a.c.h. is a scholarship program that helps early childhood teachers earn a cda, an associate's, or a bachelor's degree. the scholarship covers most of the tuition, books, release time from the classroom, and a bonus or raise when you finish.

the model was built by child care services association in north carolina in 1990 and is now licensed to more than 20 state partners.

eligibility varies by state, but the pattern is the same: you have to be currently working in a licensed early childhood setting, and your center or family child care home has to sign on as your sponsor.

the fastest way is to search: t.e.a.c.h. early childhood + your state. state partners include arizona, arkansas, california (in progress in several counties), delaware, florida, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, louisiana, maine, michigan, minnesota, mississippi, nebraska, nevada, new mexico, new york, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, rhode island, south carolina, texas (in select regions), west virginia, and wisconsin. the list changes; check current.

several states pair a t.e.a.c.h. scholarship with a child care wage$ supplement — a semiannual salary supplement based on your education level and how long you stay in the same classroom. north carolina, florida, and a handful of others run this. it is not automatic; you have to apply.

head start grantees are required to help teachers meet the credential requirements in the head start act. that often means the grantee pays for your cda or degree directly. ask your program's education manager or human resources office what is available in your grantee's budget.

most states run a professional development registry (some are called workforce registry, prokids, gateways, or great start to quality) that pays for approved training hours toward the cda. these hours are often free or low cost. the same registry usually lists local scholarship contacts.