News
TEACH Scholarships Now Available at Alvernia University!
Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) has established a new partnership with Alvernia University to offer TEACH bachelor’s degree scholarships. Alvernia offers a fully online, accelerated, Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degree program with PK-4 Teacher Certification.
Alvernia University Accelerated Bachelor's Early Childhood Education PK-4 Program
Early Childhood Education with Grades PK-4 (Online) | Alvernia University
- Fully online, with observation & student teaching completed local to the student
- Mindfully designed with flexibility for working adults
- Generous transfer credit policy, plus a streamlined associate to bachelor’s degree pathway program
- Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
- PACCA/TEACH Scholarship approved institution
Join us for a virtual information session on Thursday, March 13th from 6:30-7:30 PM to learn more about Alvernia’s bachelor’s degree program as well as the TEACH Scholarship. Representatives from both Alvernia University and TEACH will be available to answer your questions and help you plan for next steps to enroll.
Please register in advance for the information session HERE. After registering you will receive a confirmation e-mail with a link to join the session.
T.E.A.C.H. Graduate Recognition 2023-2024
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Pennsylvania Celebrates 130 Graduating Scholars!
On June 11th, the Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) in partnership with the Start Strong PA campaign held a virtual celebration for 130 T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Pennsylvania scholarship graduates from the summer 2023, fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters. More than 100 T.E.A.C.H. scholars, sponsoring child care centers, higher education partners, and legislators attended the event.
Funding for T.E.A.C.H. comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). T.E.A.C.H. is administered by the Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA).
OCDEL Deputy Secretary Shante Brown shared a special message with graduates and recognized their critical role in early childhood education. She noted, “Research consistently shows us that children who participate in quality, early childhood education programs are more likely to succeed academically. They earn higher incomes and have better health outcomes later in life. By providing the children in your care with a strong start in life, regardless of their socio-economic status or other factors, you help contribute to greater equity and social justice in society.”
T.E.A.C.H. offers early learning professionals a debt-free college education, supporting them while they work to become stronger teachers and earn thriving wages. T.E.A.C.H. scholars are not traditional college students. The majority are women, 44% are women of color, and almost one third are single parents. Nearly half each year are first generation college students and will be the first person in their family to graduate from college.
“The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Program has been instrumental in my educational journey. I started with a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, then earned my associate degree, and most recently, my bachelor’s degree.” said Dieynaba Diaw T.E.A.C.H. scholar and Pre-K teacher. “Without the support of T.E.A.C.H., achieving these educational milestones would not have been possible. Today, I am proud to be the first woman in my family to graduate from college.”
In 2022-2023, T.E.A.C.H. supported 985 scholarship recipients by partnering with 580 sponsoring child care programs including 541 child care centers and 39 home-based providers across 55 counties in Pennsylvania. These scholarships not only help the individuals, but by increasing the education of child care teachers the child care programs become higher quality. Higher quality raises the standard of the profession by making quality education and better compensation a reality for a greater number of child care teachers. The result is more consistent care which contributes to a higher level of school readiness helping children be more prepared to learn in future years.
“T.E.A.C.H. plays a critical role in shaping the future of early childhood education.” said Michele McEllroy, Owner and Director, Cuddle Zone Early Learning Center. “Over the years, I have supported 20-24 teachers through the T.E.A.C.H. program, some of whom are still with me today, now holding master’s degrees and Level 2 certification. Their educational achievements would not have been possible without the program.”
“Earning my master’s degree was a transformative experience. During my student teaching everything began to click,” said Marisol Kercado, T.E.A.C.H. scholar and child care center director. “Understanding the developmental stages of children has significantly enhanced my ability to support and guide them. Back at work, I can better apply what I’ve learned, setting appropriate expectations for each age group.”
Speakers emphasized that the undervaluing and underfunding of child care will continue with great risk to both families’ and communities’ economic future, unless there are systemic solutions. Policymakers and other leaders must prioritize the stabilization of the early childhood workforce through pathways such as increased compensation and elevating the value of the profession.
“After the struggles so many child care programs have endured these past few years, it is a huge testament to the dedication our T.E.A.C.H. sponsor organizations have in supporting their staff and the commitment our child care teachers have not only to the children and families they serve but to our communities,” said Diane Barber, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Child Care Association. “Child care is not just an essential service it has the workforce that supports the workforce of all other industries.”
Download the event program HERE:
View the June 11, 2024 event recording HERE: