T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarships 

T.E.A.C.H. scholarships are a partnership between the sponsoring child care program, scholarship recipient, and OCDEL so that:

• Scholarship recipients receive funding for tuition, books, travel, paid release time (from their sponsoring early childhood education program) and a bonus or raise after each successful scholarship year.
• Sponsoring early childhood education programs receive funding for substitutes so the student can attend class or study, and a commitment from the student to stay at the program for an additional year after each scholarship year. Sponsoring programs agree to cover the cost of the bonus or raise.
• The early childhood field gains, higher retention and higher compensation for a more educated workforce.

Eligible applicants:

• work approximately 25-30 hours per week directly with children in a DHS-certified child care program participating in Keystone STARS;
• make $19 or less an hour ($25 or less per hour for directors) and
• are interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college (at least 9 credits per year) toward a degree or credential in early childhood education. Applicant may apply for scholarships for a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; CDA Assessment, Associate’s degree; Bachelor’s degree; or PA Teacher Certification.

For more information and to apply, visit PACCA’s website. Retroactive scholarships are available for students already enrolled for Fall 2016. Scholarships are also available for the upcoming Spring and Summer 2017 semesters.

Applicants cannot participate in both the T.E.A.C.H. and the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program.