Scholarship Types
Find the scholarship that matches your educational needs.
Important Updates: Credential Scholarship Changes and Apprenticeship Opportunities
Beginning with the fall 2023 semester, T.E.A.C.H. will implement the following change for the Credential Scholarship. While scholarships will be available for all 11 Wisconsin Registry credentials, applicants must complete one of the following credentials first:
- Infant Toddler
- Preschool
- Administrator
- Afterschool & Youth Development
- Family Child Care
These five credentials provide the foundational knowledge and best practices essential for working in a classroom with a specific age group or for administering a family or group child care program.
Recipients who have previously completed one of the five credentials listed above or a minimum of 12 early childhood education credits at the associate’s or bachelor’s degree level are welcome to apply for scholarship for the following credentials, offering advanced learning on subject specific coursework:
- Program Development
- Inclusion
- Leadership
- Supporting Dual Language Learners
- Diversity
- Nature Based Learning
For more information on credentials, please visit the Wisconsin Registry’s website at https://wiregistry.org/credentials-overview/.
Additionally, beginning with the fall 2023 semester, T.E.A.C.H. will offer scholarships to eligible apprentices taking part in the Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship program offered through the Department of Workforce Development and the Wisconsin Technical College system. The Apprenticeship Scholarship is a one-year scholarship and may be renewed as funding and center sponsorship allows in order for the apprentice to complete the required 27-credit curriculum. Applicants must be accepted into the Apprenticeship Program and submit their letter of admission into the Apprenticeship Program along with the scholarship application. Scholarship recipients, sponsoring centers, and T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Wisconsin will enter into a contractual agreement for the fulfillment of the scholarship. The T.E.A.C.H. scholarship contract will be in addition to contractual requirements with the Apprenticeship Program.
Credential Scholarship
A scholarship that assists in obtaining professional credentials awarded by Wisconsin Registry:
- After School and Youth Development Credential: a 12-credit specialization for teachers working in out-of-school-time programs with children between the ages of five through twelve.
- Diversity Credential: This 12-credits credential offers the opportunity to learn skills and strategies to work with children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, building on their assets and cultures, and culturally appropriate guidance and curriculum.
- Early Childhood Leadership Credential: a 12-credit specialization for growing leaders, building leadership capacity, and encouraging networking, collaboration and engagement among those working to make a lasting difference for children, families, and the early childhood profession.
- Family Child Care Credential: a 12-credit specialization designed specifically for family child care providers or individuals seeking to become family child care providers. This credential can also serve as a pathway to an associate’s degree.
- Inclusion Credential: a 12-credit specialization designed to build the skills, knowledge, resources and attitudes to successfully work with all children, including those with special needs.
- Infant Toddler Professional Credential: a 12-credit specialization that provides an excellent introduction to the care and education of infants and toddlers.
- Professional Credential for Child Care Administrators: an 18-credit specialization helpful to both new and veteran directors and administrators, family child care providers and school-age group leaders and care administrators.
- Professional Credential for Preschool Teachers: an 18-credit specialization comprised of 6 courses. This credential can be an entry point for achieving an Associates degree
- Program Development Credential: a 12-credit specialization for individuals responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating an early care and education program, a role that may cover both management and leadership functions of an administrator, director, or teacher.
- Supporting Dual Language Learners is a 12-credit specialization designed to help early childhood educators better understand the unique traits and needs of young children whose primary language is one other than English. This credential is in response to a continuing shift in U.S. demographics towards a growing number of dual language learners.
The 3 to 8 Credits Scholarship
A flexible scholarship designed for providers who may take a variety of courses (between 3 and 8 credits over 3 semesters) through Wisconsin colleges. Can be used up to two times.
Reasons for choosing this scholarship might be to:
- meet entry-level licensing requirements
- meet YoungStar educational requirements
- satisfy training required for a Child Development Associate Credential or the Wisconsin School Age Credential
- test one’s comfort with going back to school
- strengthen a particular skill area
- complete coursework needed to finish a degree
- complete coursework required to receive “credits for prior learning”
- achieve the Registry level needed to be eligible for the REWARD Wisconsin Stipend Program and/or
- renew DPI teacher licensure
Associate’s Degree Scholarship and Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship
Recipients agree to complete between 9 to 30 credits in a one-year (3-semester) time period. The scholarships include core early childhood education courses and general education courses required for degree completion. Scholarships may be renewed annually contingent on funding and the recipient continuing to meet eligibility requirements.
T.E.A.C.H. supports bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education. If the school you are interested in does not offer that degree, please contact T.E.A.C.H. to discuss what options may be available. To be eligible for a bachelor’s degree scholarship, you must have previously completed an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent credits.