This tip sheet has been created in response to requests for more information about how the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Wisconsin Scholarship Program works. Whenever possible we strongly encourage you to speak directly with your T.E.A.C.H. scholarship counselor to get the most current and accurate information. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions. We welcome other questions you may have, as well as feedback on our scholarship program. It is our goal to provide you with the best possible service.

What is the difference in the roles played by T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Wisconsin, Colleges/Universities, and The Registry?
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Wisconsin is the scholarship program that pays for expenses related to the completion of an educational path. T.E.A.C.H. also provides career, academic and/or personal counseling services to recipients as needed. Colleges/Universities are the institutions that provide the coursework and award credits and associate or bachelor's degrees. The educational institutions schedule when and where courses take place, and determine if numbers are sufficient to run a course; T.E.A.C.H. plays no role in scheduling or canceling courses. Many educational institutions also provide career, academic and/or personal counseling. The Registry is the agency that awards the Infant/Toddler and Administrator's credentials based on credits earned through coursework and a commission review process. The Registry also awards professional development certificates based on a career recognition system. Each of these three entities has its own procedures for application, billing, information distribution, etc. All work together via the T.E.A.C.H. Steering Committee and other venues to share information and provide the best service possible to you.

Whom should I contact when I have questions?
It depends on the type of question. Because T.E.A.C.H., Colleges/Universities, and The Registry work together, answers might be obtained from more than one source. In general, we suggest the following starting points:

• Questions regarding portfolio, commission process and dates, course curriculum approval for the credentials, approval of coursework previously taken, annual faculty training, curriculum updates, and application information for the professional development 17-level system, contact The Registry at 608-222-1123.
• Questions regarding courses that contribute towards a degree; additional sources of financial aid; holds on records, incompletes, or acquiring grade reports or transcripts, contact the College/University in your area. A local phone book should have a general information number to start and perhaps will even list department numbers.
• Questions regarding any aspect of your scholarship, what kinds of scholarships are available, what T.E.A.C.H. provides beyond tuition support, what commitments you and your sponsoring program make to receive a scholarship, contact T.E.A.C.H. at 608-240-9880 (Madison area) or 800-783-9322 (outside of Madison). General questions can be directed to ext. 7240, but if you are already working with a scholarship counselor, contact her extension directly.
• Questions regarding course information (dates, times, etc), course enrollment, billing issues, withdrawing from a course, and failed classes, contact both T.E.A.C.H. and your College/University as there are implications for both.

What is the scholarship process like for a recipient?
The process generally begins with the individual hearing about the program at a conference presentation or through another source. Initial inquiries generally come to WECA where information is given over the phone and an application mailed upon request. Once a completed application is received in our office, it is reviewed by a scholarship counselor to determine eligibility. The applicant is called and information is verified over the phone, at which time the individual is told whether or not she/he is eligible. The counselor reviews the terms of the scholarship contract, helps the recipient choose appropriate coursework, assists in navigating The Registry and educational systems, reviews the remaining process and answers questions.

Note: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Wisconsin is the only agency authorized to decide if coursework qualifies for reimbursement. The Registry determines if coursework taken previously meets the requirements for the various credentials they offer.

Upon receipt of the signed contract and prior to coursework starting, direct billing to the college/university can be authorized. If coursework has already begun however, the scholarship recipient must pay the educational institution and reimbursements will be authorized. Recipients are expected to notify counselors of upcoming course enrollments and cancellations, and produce copies of official grade reports upon completion. Counselors will check in to answer questions about the reimbursement process; portfolio development; balancing work, school and personal life; finding appropriate resources when needed, etc.

Sometimes counselors assist students who may be struggling with learning disabilities, failing a class, experiencing conflict with instructors, having personal crises, etc. In these situations students are always encouraged to also talk to their instructor and other appropriate resources as needed, such as a tutor or a personal therapist for help to solve problems. If a conflict with an instructor can't be resolved despite one's best efforts, the scholarship recipient is encouraged to contact the Dean or Dept. Chair to assist in a resolution. As a recipient draws near to completing a scholarship contract and educational requirements, files are assessed to be sure all details have been attended to, a final call is made to answer any remaining questions, and a discussion on future educational plans takes place (ex. possible next scholarship). Once all grades have been received, as well as verification of receipt of the Infant Toddler or Administrator's credential if applicable, the recipient receives a bonus from T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Wisconsin and an opportunity to evaluate the program. A recipient must complete a scholarship before beginning another.

What other resources are available to scholarship recipients?
Upon receipt of the contract, recipients receive a tip sheet that reviews the process and expectations. Also, periodically a T.E.A.C.H. newsletter is sent out to update recipients and give additional needed reminders. Finally, workshops have been created to support your professional development efforts. For example we present a workshop on professional development planning called, "Development: It's Not Just for Kids." For more information, contact us at teach@wisconsinearlychildhood.org.