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Financial Support Opportunities for Early Childhood Educators
Below are various financial aid opportunities available to early childhood educators. Educators can also find early childhood career navigation support here.
Financial Support for Early Childhood Educators and Professionals
Aspiring Educators
- First, make sure you have an account on TEACH Colorado. If you set up a free account before becoming teacher qualified/licensed you can receive up to $1100 in financial aid:
- Get up to a $100 reimbursement for application or program expenses
- Apply for a $1000 TEACH Colorado Scholarship
- Then use TEACH Colorado's Financial Aid & Scholarships to find additional support.
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program
- Scholarship opportunities for early childhood professionals employed in a licensed early care and learning setting, or for early childhood specialists like coaches, substitute early childhood teachers, home visitors, and more. Some of the scholarships options include: EC Credential, Director Qualifications, Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree, and Master's Degree.
Educator Recruitment and Retention Program
- For individuals seeking to become a licensed educator and have:
- Secured employment as an alternative teacher or temporary educator eligibility (TEE)educator in a shortage area; or
- Currently employed as a paraprofessional in a school district, charter school or BOCES
- Has secured a position as a CTE instructor in a rural or small rural district and meets state CTE requirements
Educator Funding Opportunities
Painter Service for Others Scholarship - For full-time undergraduate students in their junior or senior years pursuing college degrees in teaching or social work at a 4-year Colorado-accredited postsecondary educational institution. Eligible candidates will be working toward a PreK-12 teaching certificate or following a course of student in social work with an emphasis on assisting children and/or young adults. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA or CASFA. Scholarship awards vary and will be paid directly to a recipient's college or university and can only be applied toward tuition and fees. Students may reapply for this opportunity.
Winifred R. Reynolds Education Scholarship - For graduate students focused on Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or an equivalent field with coursework focused specifically on ECE. Candidates must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a master's or doctorate level program in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Educational Psychology, or an equivalent program with coursework primarily focusing on early childhood education. Must demonstrate financial need and be a current resident of Colorado. Award amounts vary and can be used for tuition, fees, and/or required books. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply for consideration and can be a recipient for a maximum of three years.
Programs and Scholarships - including CDA and coaching scholarships
CAFSA and CAFSA -Qualified ASSET student
Colorado Rural Financial Options
Financial Support for Rural Educators
Recent High School Graduates
Bright Futures for Weld County high school students
Tax Credit and Loan Forgiveness
Care Worker Tax Credit - for qualifying early childhood professionals.
Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit - for early childhood professionals that have an active Early Childhood Professional Credential (ECPC), worked for at least six months in a licensed child care center or family child care home, and meet income requirements.
Other Financial Resources
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