T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Colorado Scholarship Program
Contact Us
Shannon Hall, Director of Direct Services
Ph: (720) 899-3047
Em: shannon@ecclacolorado.org
Dallas Brown, ECE Scholarship/Career Navigator- T.E.A.C.H
Ph: (720) 588-2842
Em: dallas@ecclacolorado.org
Cheryl Gould, Scholarship and Career Administrative Assistant
Em: cheryl@ecclacolorado.org
To fax your application send it to (720) 669-1544.
Do you need translation? Please contact Shannon Hall to schedule a meeting.
About the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Colorado Scholarship Program
Early childhood professionals who have higher education have been shown to have a better understanding of child development and to be more responsive to the educational and academic needs of young children. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Colorado Scholarship Program offers early childhood professionals a pathway to pursue higher education. Access to scholarships for early childhood education is a critical piece to a successful professional development pathway. We are affiliated with the national Teacher Education and Compensation Helps Early Childhood® initiative of the Child Care Services Association, and we hold the state license to offer scholarships in Colorado.
The Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) is an equal opportunity scholarship provider. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, military status, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in any of its activities or operations. Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow (ASSET) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students are welcome to apply!
What’s the difference between T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Colorado and TEACH Colorado?
We get it. Different ‘TEACH‘ programs exist in Colorado and it can get confusing. But when it comes to names, we’re so lucky to run in the same circles as TEACH Colorado.
ECCLA provides the T.E.A.C.H Early Childhood® Scholarship, which offers early childhood professionals a pathway to pursue higher education. Many of Colorado’s early childhood education professionals, including directors, teachers, and family child care professionals, are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Meanwhile, TEACH Colorado is a free, one-stop-shop for anyone considering a PK-12 teaching career in Colorado, offering 1:1 advising, information on teaching pathways, downloadable guides and financial aid resources. Does the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program promote TEACH Colorado on its platform for aspiring teachers? You’d better believe it! Similar name, distinct offerings, but both working to provide a whole bunch of support for early childhood professionals across the state.
Eligibility Requirements for Program Staff and Family Child Care Home Providers
Early childhood professionals including directors, teachers, and family child care providers who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for most models. Applicants must:
- Work in Colorado
- Be employed full-time* in a licensed early childhood setting defined as:
- At least 20 hours a week if working towards Early Childhood Teacher or Director qualifications
- At least 30 hours a week if working toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.
- Attend an accredited college in the State of Colorado
*Exceptions may be made for programs that do not operate on a full day schedule.
Eligibility Requirements for Early Childhood Professionals not Employed in a Program
Early childhood professionals eligible to apply for Early Childhood Community Specialist models include coaches, substitutes, home visitors, assessors, consultants, professionals in early childhood-focused nonprofits, and others that are not working in a program, but in the Early Childhood Profession in other capacities in Colorado.
- Work in Colorado
- Attend an accredited college in the State of Colorado
*Exceptions made for programs that do not operate on a full day schedule and for substitute early childhood teachers.
Scholarship Models
For Providers and Administrators:
Models for Early Childhood professionals employed in a licensed early care and learning setting. This includes early childhood teachers, family child care home providers, and early childhood program administrators.
Education: 3-9 ECE credit hours per contract year
Compensation: T.E.A.C.H. awards $125 bonus after successful completion of coursework
Sponsor awards $125 bonus or 2% raise after successful completion of work commitment. (Center
Employees Only)
Commitment: 6 months of continued employment at current child care program following completion of
scholarship contract
Financial Responsibilities
T.E.A.C.H. | Sponsor/Employer | Scholar |
Pays 90% of tuition (95% for FCCH providers) | Pays 5% of tuition | Pays 5% of tuition |
Pays 90% for books | x | Pays 10% for books |
Pays $125.00 travel/internet stipend per semester to recipient | x | x |
Reimburses center for paid release time at $10.00/hour | Provides 2 hours paid release time per week to participants | Receives 2 hours paid release time per week to study |
Education: 9-18 ECE credit hours per contract year
Compensation: T.E.A.C.H. awards $200 bonus after successful completion of coursework
Sponsor awards $200 bonus or 2% raise after successful completion of work commitment. (Center
Employees Only)
Commitment: 12 months of continued employment at current child care program following completion of
scholarship contract
Financial Responsibilities
T.E.A.C.H. | Sponsor/Employer | Scholar |
Pays 90% of tuition (95% for FCCH providers) | Pays 5% of tuition | Pays 5% of tuition |
Pays 90% for books | x | Pays 10% for books |
Pays $125.00 travel/internet stipend per semester to recipient | x | x |
Reimburses center for paid release time at $10.00/hour | Provides 2 hours paid release time per week to participants | Receives 2 hours paid release time per week to study |
Scholars who apply for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Colorado Scholarship Program: Developing Emerging Leaders Apprenticeship Scholarship will apply under the Director Qualifications Model.
Education: 9-18 credit hours per contract year
Compensation: T.E.A.C.H. awards $325 bonus after successful completion of coursework
Sponsor awards $325 bonus or 2% raise after successful completion of work commitment. (Center
Employees Only)
Commitment: 1 year of continued employment at current child care program following completion of
scholarship contract
Financial Responsibilities
T.E.A.C.H. | Sponsor/Employer | Scholar |
Pays 90% of tuition (95% for FCCH providers) | Pays 5% of tuition | Pays 5% of tuition |
Pays 90% for books | x | Pays 10% for books |
Pays $125.00 travel/internet stipend per semester to recipient | x | x |
Reimburses center for paid release time at $10.00/hour | Provides 2 hours paid release time per week to participants | Receives 2 hours paid release time per week to study |
Criteria: Must have an associate degree or 60 college level credits
Education: 9-18 credit hours per contract year
Compensation: T.E.A.C.H. awards $350 bonus after successful completion of coursework
Sponsor awards $350 bonus or 2% raise after successful completion of work commitment. (Center
Employees Only)
Commitment: 1 year of continued employment at current child care program following completion of
scholarship contract
Financial Responsibilities
T.E.A.C.H. | Sponsor/Employer | Scholar |
Pays 90% of tuition (95% for FCCH providers) | Pays 5% of tuition | Pays 5% of tuition |
Pays 90% for books | x | Pays 10% for books |
Pays $125.00 travel/internet stipend per semester to recipient | x | x |
Reimburses center for paid release time at $10.00/hour | Provides 2 hours paid release time per week to participants | Receives 2 hours paid release time per week to study |
Criteria: Must have a bachelor’s degree or acceptance into a graduate program.
Education: 6-21 credit hours per contract year
Compensation: T.E.A.C.H. awards $500 bonus after successful completion of coursework
Sponsor awards $350 bonus or 2% raise after successful completion of work commitment. (Center
Employees Only)
Commitment: 18 months of continued employment at current child care program following completion of
scholarship contract & 6 months of continued employment in the early childhood profession
Financial Responsibilities
T.E.A.C.H. | Sponsor/Employer | Scholar |
Pays 90% of tuition (95% for FCCH providers) | Pays 5% of tuition | Pays 5% of tuition |
Pays 90% for books | x | Pays 10% for books |
Pays $125.00 travel/internet stipend per semester to recipient | x | x |
Reimburses center for paid release time at $10.00/hour | Provides 2 hours paid release time per week to participants | Receives 2 hours paid release time per week to study |
For Early Childhood Community Specialists:
Models for Early Childhood Professionals employed in the early childhood profession but not consistently in a licensed setting. This includes coaches, substitute early childhood teachers, Early Childhood Council staff, home visitors, and more. Unlike other models, the Early Childhood Community Specialist Model does not require participation from an employer or sponsor.
Education: 3-12 credit hours per contract year (three semesters)
Compensation: T.E.A.C.H. awards $100 bonus per course each semester after successful completion of coursework and $125 bonus at the end of the work commitment period.
Commitment: 6 months of continued employment in the early childhood field following completion of scholarship contract
Financial Responsibilities
T.E.A.C.H. | Scholar |
Pays $750 per course stipend for tuition and fees | Pays remainder of tuition and fees once stipend has been applied |
Pays 75% of books | Pays 25% of books |
Pays $100 semester stipend per semester to recipient | x |
Education: 9-18 credit hours per contract year
Compensation: T.E.A.C.H. awards $125 bonus per course each semester after successful completion of coursework and $300 bonus at the end of the work commitment period.
Commitment: One year of continued employment in the early childhood field following completion of scholarship contract
Financial Responsibilities
T.E.A.C.H. | Scholar |
Pays $850 per course stipend for tuition and fees | Pays remainder of tuition and fees once stipend has been applied |
Pays 80% of books | Pays 20% of books |
Pays $125 semester stipend per semester to recipient | x |
Education: 9-21 credit hours per contract year (three semesters)
Compensation: T.E.A.C.H. awards $150 bonus per course each semester after successful completion of coursework and $400 bonus at the end of the work commitment period.
Commitment: 18 months of continued employment in the early childhood field following completion of scholarship contract
Financial Responsibilities
T.E.A.C.H. | Scholar |
Pays $1,050 per course stipend for tuition and fees | Pays remainder of tuition and fees once stipend has been applied |
Pays 90% of books | Pays 10% of books |
Pays $150 semester stipend per semester to recipient | x |
Criteria: Must have a bachelor’s degree or acceptance into a bachelor’s program
Education: 9-24 credit hours per contract year (three semesters)
Compensation: T.E.A.C.H. awards $200 bonus per course each semester after successful completion of coursework and $750 bonus at the end of the work commitment period.
Commitment: Two years of continued employment in the early childhood profession following completion of scholarship contract
Financial Responsibilities
T.E.A.C.H. | Scholar |
Pays $1,350 per course stipend for tuition and fees | Pays remainder of tuition and fees once stipend has been applied |
Pays 100% of books | x |
Pays $175 stipend per semester to recipient | x |
Tackling the Early Educator Compensation Crisis
- American Rescue Plan Funding: Child Care Workforce Investments Review from Child Care Services Association (CCSA)
- How Are States Tackling the Early Educator Compensation Crisis? Blog from the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE, UC-Berkeley)
- The Learning Policy Institute’s New Whole Child Policy Toolkit
