Early Childhood Development Scholarship
The Early Childhood Development Scholarship provides a seamless system to upgrade the professional development of child-care workers and trainers. The state legislature and the Governor created the Early Childhood Development Scholarship as part of the KIDS NOW early childhood initiative. The scholarship provides financial assistance, to the extent of available funds, in the form of non-repayable tuition scholarships for Kentucky students who are pursuing one of the following:
- CDA
- Associate degree in ECE
- Bachelor’s degree in IECE or related program
- Director’s Credential
Eligibility:
- Kentucky resident and U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.
- Enrolled in nine hours or less a term at a participating Kentucky institution, pursuing an approved credential, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
- Be employed at least 20 hours/week in a participating early childhood facility
- or provide training in early childhood development at least 12 times/year for an organization approved to offer training by the Office of Inspector General of the Cabinet for Health Services
- or be employed as a preschool associate teacher in a state-funded preschool program.
- Not be eligible to receive state or federal training funds through Head Start, a public preschool program, or First Steps.
- Have no unpaid financial obligation to KHEAA.
- Agree to a service commitment based on the credential pursued.
- Submit the scholarship application, for each term, by the deadline to the professional development counselor.
2007 Application Deadlines:
- Summer 2007 April 15, 2007
- Fall 2007 July 15, 2007
- Spring 2008 November 15, 2007
Monies available:
- Up to $1,800 per award year.
Additional Monies available:
- Related Educational Expense Reimbursement:
- CDA = $50.00
- Director’s Credential, Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree = $100.00
- Milestone Achievement Award:
- CDA = $250
- Associate Degree and Director’s Credential = $300
- Bachelor’s Degree = $500
- Textbook Reimbursement = up to $50 per semester.
Benefits to the Scholar’s Employer:
- Early childhood classes taken by scholars count toward the 12 hours/year required training.
- Center pays less money for training.
- The scholar commits to stay at center, after the degree or diploma is completed, for at least 6 months.
- Employee turnover lessened.
- High-quality Early Childhood Education results in:
- Happier staff, children and parents.
- Free advertising for your quality childcare program.
(Sponsoring centers agree to reimburse scholars for textbooks and to fund 10% of the Milestone Achievement Award.)
For more information on the KIDS NOW Scholarship, please contact the Professional Development Counselor who serves your area. Contact information can be found by clicking here.
