Financial Assistance
The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) supports the professional development efforts of early childhood and school-age practitioners in many ways:
Low cost professional development opportunities
Click here to log in, and go to the professional development calendar to view opportunities available to you.
PA Keys to Professional Development Refund Voucher Program
NOTICE: For voucher applications and approved vouchers for the 2009-2010 fiscal year which includes all courses ending between July 1, 2009 and on or before June 30, 2010
Voucher Applications must be received in our office by June 30, 2010.
If you applied, but the application was incomplete, all backup documentation must be received in our office by June 30, 2010.
All approved vouchers for the 09-10 fiscal year must be received in our office with a proof of grade by July 30, 2010.
Voucher applications or vouchers returned after these deadlines will be denied.
The professional development refund voucher program provides the opportunity for reimbursement for courses that earn college credits and payment for the CDA Assessment Fee for early childhood practitioners.
College Tuition Reimbursement Voucher
The voucher program for college courses is a two-step process. The first step is to apply for a voucher. The application can be found below. Applications are then reviewed and it is determined whether they will be approved or denied based on the guidelines for approval and the availability of funds. Applicants will be notified by mail whether they have been approved or denied. If they are approved they will receive a voucher in the mail. At the end of the class the vouchers should be returned with a copy of the final grade for the course. More information and guidelines for each type of voucher can be found in the applications.
To apply for reimbursement for courses use this application - Deadline to apply is before the last day of class. Download the College Tuition Voucher Application.
If you are receiving funds from the Keys to Quality System through the Regional Keys or TEACH for any courses, you are not eligible for the voucher program (some exclusions may apply).
CDA Assessment Fee Voucher
The voucher program for the CDA Assessment Fee is a two-step process. The first step is to apply for a voucher. The application can be found below. Applications are then reviewed and it is determined whether they will be approved or denied based on the guidelines for approval and the availability of funds. Applicants will be notified by mail whether they have been approved or denied. If they are approved they will receive a voucher in the mail which they must send to the Council for Professional Recognition along with their Application For Direct Assessment. The council is then paid directly by the PA Keys to Quality.
To apply for CDA Assessment fee voucher - Deadline to apply is by the first of the month before the Council for Professional Recognition's deadline. Download the CDA Assessment Fee Voucher Application.
T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships
T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Early Childhood® PENNSYLVANIA Scholarship Program works with providers, colleges and child care staff to offer scholarship programs and support systems that improve the education and compensation of child care workers.
T.E.A.C.H. obtains its funding through grants from businesses, foundations and government. By helping to increase professionalism, raise wages and reduce turnover of child care staff, this public-private partnership brings higher quality care to Pennsylvania’s children. T.E.A.C.H. is administered by the Pennsylvania Child Care Association.
For more information, call 877-51-TEACH (877-518-3224).