Considerations for Applicants

Are you considering applying for a scholarship through the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® PENNSYLVANIA Scholarship program?

The information below will help you determine eligibility, download an application, read answers to many FAQ's, and view a list of participating colleges and universities to see which one is right for you!

 Studying

Naomi Bailey learned about the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Program through other colleagues in the childcare business. Now she is a college graduate through help of the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Program!

“I was able to achieve a college education! Others saw it in me; I was the only one who didn’t. Boy, was I wrong!  I am a living example to adult students what can be achieved if they apply themselves,” says Naomi. “Everyone (at T.E.A.C.H.) has been so helpful to me!"

1) Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for a T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship, applicants need to meet certain criteria. Applicants must:

  • be a resident of Pennsylvania,
  • work about 25-30 hours a week as classroom staff or center director* at a DPW-certified child care facility in Pennsylvania for at least one year, or Pre-K Counts Head Start Program,
  • have a high school diploma or GED,
  • earn an income of less than $19 per hour,
  • possess a commitment to remain in the early childhood field,
  • have an interest in pursuing a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, PA Director's Credential, Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent),
  • Bachelor’s degree applicants must have already earned an Associate’s degree in ECE or have at least 55 transferable credits toward a Bachelor’s in ECE, be eligible for admission as an in-state student and have worked in child care in PA for at least one year.

Scholarships for center directors do not include release time; however, sponsoring centers must be flexible in releasing the director to attend class.

Other considerations for eligibility:

  • Applicants must work at a program participating in Keystone STARS level 1 and above.
  • Scholarship awards are dependent upon availability of funds and priorities of funders.
  • Other eligibility criteria may apply and are subject to change without notice.

2) Colleges and Universities

If you are interested in applying for a T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship, start by taking a look at the list of colleges and universities currently participating in the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® PENNSYLVANIA Scholarship program.

T.E.A.C.H. participating colleges and universities offer CDA Credential, PA Director's Credential, Associate's Degree, and Bachelor's Degree level programs. These institutions may offer other degrees in ECE that are not covered by the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program. View the list of participating colleges and universities.

The Fall 2010 application deadline is Friday, July 9, 2010.  For more information, click here.

3) T.E.A.C.H. Applications available

NOTE: If you are unable to download these applications, you may request an application by mail by completing our online request form below.

4) FAQ's for Applicants

  • download frequently asked questions for applicants (PDF)