Early Childhood Development Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority

Description

The Early Childhood Development Scholarship supports Kentucky professionals working in daycare and preschool settings to pursue credentials, certificates, and degrees in early childhood education. It is designed to increase the qualifications of the early childhood workforce and to improve program quality for young children. The scholarship covers approved pathways from entry-level credentials through master's degrees and related certifications. Funding is linked to program participation and a subsequent service commitment in the field.

Description: A state scholarship program that helps eligible Kentucky early childhood workers obtain approved credentials and degrees while remaining employed in early childhood settings.

• Helps daycare and preschool staff advance education and credentials.
• Covers multiple credential levels from certificates to master's degrees.
• Tied to a service commitment after completion.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet residency, citizenship, enrollment, employment, and financial standing conditions to qualify. Eligibility is limited to those actively employed in participating early childhood facilities or in state-funded preschool programs and to students enrolled in approved programs at participating institutions. The scholarship also requires satisfactory academic progress and disqualifies applicants who are eligible for other specific state or federal training funds. Recipients must agree to a service obligation related to the credential pursued.

Eligibility: Applicants must satisfy all listed criteria to receive the scholarship.

• Be a Kentucky resident.
• Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.
• Be enrolled in a qualifying program at a participating institution pursuing an approved credential.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution.
• Be employed at least 20 hours weekly in a participating early childhood facility or as a preschool associate teacher in a state-funded preschool program.
• Not be eligible for state or federal training funds through Head Start, a public preschool program, or First Steps.
• Have no unpaid financial obligation to KHEAA or any Title IV program.
• Agree to a service commitment based on the credential pursued.

• Residency and immigration status are required.
• Employment in an approved early childhood setting is mandatory.
• Enrollment in an approved program and satisfactory progress are required.

Approved Programs of Study

The scholarship applies to a defined set of credentials and degree programs that prepare professionals for work in early childhood settings. Eligible programs range from the Child Development Associate credential through bachelor's and master's degrees in interdisciplinary early childhood education, as well as specific state certificates for directors. Institutions and programs must be participating and approved by the Early Childhood Development Authority where indicated. Students should confirm program eligibility with the scholarship administrator and their institution before applying.

Approved Programs: The scholarship supports the following credentials and degrees when offered by participating institutions.

• Child Development Associate Credential
• Associate’s degree in early childhood education
• Bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary early childhood education or a related program approved by the Early Childhood Development Authority
• Master’s degree in interdisciplinary early childhood education
• Kentucky Early Childhood Development Director’s Certificate

• Supports credentialing from entry-level to graduate study.
• Includes a state-approved director’s certificate for leadership roles.
• Program approval must be confirmed with the Early Childhood Development Authority.