Fall 2024 Scholarship resources

by Ché Walker, Career Coach

Hi, it’s me again, your local Early Childhood Career Coach! I’m here to remind you that back-to-school prep isn’t just for kids!  If you (or someone in your program) are planning on attending classes this fall or beyond, take a look at this list of scholarships and other resources for individuals pursuing higher education in ECE. I’ve done the research and legwork for you so that you can get to the heart of your work more quickly. Let’s dive in!

Career Advance Colorado (CAC) – tuition and fees, through June 2025 as funding is available at community colleges statewide – Early Childhood Certificates (2 or 10 classes) and associate degrees, not need-based, tuition and fees

Finish what you started– completed some or no college, undergraduate, financial, and wraparound supports 

TEACH Colorado (not to be confused with the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship) – various stipends and opportunities; must create account

Colorado Promise – 2-year tuition and fees, need based (under $90,000) must enroll at an eligible institution within two years of graduating high school (or equivalent), applies to tuition only

ECCLA scholarships – scholarships and grants – Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA)

T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship – requires employment in a licensed setting-20 hr/week for ECT or Director qualification, 30 hr/week for degree, applies to AA, BA, MA; T.E.A.C.H. pays 90% of tuition (95% for FCCH providers), employer pays 5% of tuition, student pays 5% of tuition

ECCLA coaching scholarship – available through December 2026

College Opportunity Fund (COF)  – undergraduate only, stipend of $116.00 per semester credit hour for eligible students, need based

CDE Educator Funding Opportunities – mostly rural

CDA Statewide Scholarship Program – available through June 2026 

FAFSA  – federal student aid program

Related information: 

Loan Forgiveness – opens again in 2025

ECE State Tax Credit – early childhood educators who hold an active PDIS Early Childhood Credential (ECPC) in version 3.0 qualify for the tax credit

Parchment – Request official transcripts via Parchment (or college registrar’s office) -$10 

Free International transcript translation and evaluation from CDE:

English Form

Spanish form

ADDTIONAL RESOURCES:

CO Department of Education Licensing home

Alternative licensure

Colorado Department of Education

Colorado Department of Early Childhood 

Approved educator programs of higher education – managed by Colorado Department of Higher Education, Division of Student Success and Academic Affairs

ECE related degrees

  • Child Development
  • Child Psych
  • ECSPD
  • Educational Leadership & Administration
  • Elementary Ed
  • Family and Human Development
  • Family Studies

Director sequence or Level 3 or higher-grade of “C” or better

  • Introduction to Early Childhood Professions (ECE 101)
  • Introduction to Early Childhood Education Lab Techniques (ECE 102)
  • Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children (ECE 103) OR Pyramid Plus Approach Training
  • Early Childhood Nutrition, Health, and Safety (ECE 205)
  • Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs (ECE 240)
  • Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Professions (ECE 240) OR Introduction to Business
  • Early Childhood Curriculum Development (ECE 220)
  • Early Childhood Growth and Development (ECE 238)
  • The Exceptional Child (ECE 260)
  • Infant/toddler Theory and Practice (ECE 111) OR Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care Training

I know this is a LOT of information, so please contact me directly at che@denverearlychildhood.org if you have questions. I’m here to help!

-Ché