PHILADELPHIA – Earlier this week Governor Wolf announced that funding for the T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Early Childhood® Pennsylvania Scholarship Program is restored after a six-year lull. The $2.4M investment will fund at least 1,000 college scholarships for early child care professionals in DHS-certified, Keystone STARS programs. Scholarships are available for Child Development Associate (CDA) Credentials, CDA Assessment Fees, Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees as well as PA Teacher Certification in early childhood education.

Programs like T.E.A.C.H. are key in building a stronger, stable early childhood education (ECE) workforce. T.E.A.C.H. provides scholarship programs to child care professionals and works with the participants’ employers to provide financial support for furthering their education. This support helps participants complete coursework and obtain credentials to increase their compensation without incurring substantial student loan debt. The program also lowers staff turnover rates by requiring that participants remain employed with their current, sponsoring program for each year of their education.

“I’m thrilled that the T.E.A.C.H. program has been restored and commend Governor Wolf’s administration for increasing investments in education throughout the Commonwealth,” said Otis Hackney, Chief Education Officer for the City of Philadelphia. “This critical investment is right on time. As Philadelphia prepares to increase affordable, quality pre-K for thousands of students, we anticipate a need for 325 well-trained, lead teachers for our city’s youngest learners. This scholarship opportunity will make continuing education more attainable for dedicated pre-K teachers who are committed to helping children thrive. I encourage our local pre-K community to spread the word and apply for this amazing opportunity.”

For more information, the benefits of T.E.A.C.H., eligibility requirements, and to apply, visit the Pennsylvania Child Care Association’s website.