(Teacher Education And Compensation Helps)
What is T.E.A.C.H.?
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® ALABAMA is a scholarship program that was developed to increase the level of education and effectiveness of early learning professionals by making the educational process more affordable, increasing wages, and reducing staff turnover rates. Scholarships are currently offered for the CDA (Child Development Associate) Assessment Fee, Associate Degrees in Child Development and Early Care and Education, and Bachelor Degrees in Child Development and Early Care and Education.
Why is T.E.A.C.H. needed in Alabama?
The most critical indicator of the quality of an early learning program is the educational level of the early learning program.
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Research indicates that both higher education and specialized training in early childhood education are critical indicators of quality in a child’s care experience. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® ALABAMA provides scholarships to child care center and preschool teachers, directors, and family home providers to go back to school to earn more formal education.
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Alabama child care professionals receive very low wages. On average, child care teachers in Alabama earn $6.91 an hour, according to the 2008 Alabama Child Care Workforce Study. T.E.A.C.H. addresses the low wage issue by providing financial bonuses upon successful completion of each scholarship contract. The wages of T.E.A.C.H. associate degree recipients increased an average of 8.5% in 2008.
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The 2008 Alabama Child Care Workforce Study revealed that 53% of the child care teachers surveyed indicated that they had been in their current job less than 3 years, and more than 1/3 reported they were either “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to leave their current jobs in the coming year. T.E.A.C.H. addresses turnover issues by requiring participants to remain at their child care program at least one year following the completion of each scholarship contract. Turnover among T.E.A.C.H. associate degree recipients was 2.1% for 2008.
What are the goals of T.E.A.C.H.?
• To enhance the quality of early learning settings throughout Alabama
• To increase the education and effectiveness of early learning professionals
• To increase compensation
• To decrease the turnover rate in early learning settings
• To promote professionalism and ongoing professional development
Who benefits from T.E.A.C.H.?
Recipients:
• More training and education leading to higher professionalism, confidence, and self-esteem.
• Increased compensation and reward for increased education.
• Professional contacts and networks are developed.
Sponsoring Programs:
• Enhancement of the quality of their early learning programs.
• Increased compensation encourages providers to stay at their program.
• Increased support for higher education levels for their staff, with minimal investment
• Reduced staff turnover.
Children and Parents:
• Trusting, caring, consistent relationships are formed
• Their provider has early childhood knowledge and experience and knows about their important
developmental milestones.
• Higher quality programs better prepare children for school success and lead to better outcomes
How much will T.E.A.C.H. pay?
Associate Degree Scholarship:
• 80% of tuition
• 80% of books
• $40 travel stipend
• Release time - when applicable
• Educational bonus and incentives
Bachelor Degree Scholarship:
• 80% of tuition
• 80% of books
• $80 travel stipend
• Release time - when applicable
• Educational bonus and incentives
CDA Assessment Fee Scholarship:
• 85% of Assessment Fee ($276)
• $200 bonus upon receipt of credential
What colleges currently participate in T.E.A.C.H.?
Alabama State University
Are you interested in receiving the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship? Apply Now!
For more information on T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® ALABAMA or for additional information on deadlines and qualifications please contact Michelle Raybon by calling toll-free 1-866-711-4025 or by emailing.
