Scholarships are available at three different levels based upon the individual needs of the participant.
Level 1
This level of scholarship is most often used by providers wishing to earn college
credits towards a national Child Development Associate Credential (CDA). With the
least amount of perks, Level 1 is considered an introductory level for providers.
It is also used by teachers who wish to gain 9 to 15 college credit hours in early
childhood education as a refresher, towards a director certification in Missouri
or for those who may not be certain that early childhood is their chosen profession
so they are seeking education to make their decision.
Level 1 consists of 9 to 15 credit hours at a local community college only in early childhood specific courses and can be maintained for only one year. A recipient can then move to scholarship Level 3 if she/he wishes to continue with their education. Please note that you do not need to start with a Level 1 but it is an option available to all providers.
If you are:
- a teacher, director, assistant, aide, owner/teacher, or owner/director
- a director working towards Missouri state certification
- working on a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for college credit or
- you are seeking an introduction to the field of early childhood
then Level 1 may best suit your needs.
Level 1 supports only early childhood classes. If you need to take general education classes still , a Level 3 is best for you.
This Level can be used for one year and is not renewable. Recipients continuing on to a second year of scholarship will need to move to a Level 3. We cannot support any additional CDA fees or the assessment fees for a CDA.
For more information, please read the Level One description sheet.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 800-200-9017, x604/607/609 before filling out an application.
Level 2
The Level 2 scholarship is most often used by those wishing to take early childhood related classes
towards a Bachelors Degree in early care and education. Level 2 can be applied to early childhood
specific courses only at a local college or university, as an introduction to the field, to supplement
a degree in an unrelated field, to meet licensing requirements, or to meet an administrator
credential level.
Level 2 is the only scholarship level that supports classes in early childhood for a Bachelors Degree. Please note, all general education classes are supported through Level 3 scholarships ONLY. Scholarships at Level 2 can be maintained for as many years as it takes to earn a degree based on available funding.
If you are:
- a teacher, director, assistant, aide, owner/teacher, or owner/director
- seeking a Bachelor degree in early childhood education and you already have an AA or AAS or all of your general education classes completed or
- you are seeking an introduction to the field of early childhood to supplement a degree in an unrelated field,
then Level 2 may best suit your needs.
Level 2 supports only early childhood classes. If you still need to take general education classes towards a BA, a Level 3 is where you would start with T.E.A.C.H. MISSOURI. We ask that you complete all general education classes at a two year college prior to moving to your early childhood coursework at a four year college.
Level 2 is renewable through the completion of your degree based on availability of funding through T.E.A.C.H. MISSOURI.
For more information, please read the Level Two description sheet. If you have any questions, please call our office at 800-200-9017, x604/607/609 before filling out an application.
Level 3
Level 3 is for providers seeking an Associates degree, AA or AAS, in early childhood
education. Both general education and early childhood courses are included in the
scholarship as each is required to attain a degree. This level has the most perks
for the provider as it includes a travel stipend and three hours of release time
to study per week of class attended throughout the contract. Scholarships at Level 3 can be maintained for as many years as it takes to earn a degree based on
available funding.
If you are:
- a teacher, director, assistant, aide, owner/teacher, or owner/director
- working towards an AA or AAS in early childhood at a two year college
- still need your general education classes before working towards your BA at a four year college or
- working on a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for college credit and wish to continue towards your AA/AAS degree
then Level 3 may best suit your needs.
Level 3 supports both general education and early childhood course towards the completion of your degree. Level 3 is renewable through the completion of your degree based on availability of funding through T.E.A.C.H. MISSOURI.
For more information, please read the Level Three description sheet. If you have any questions, please call our office at 800-200-9017, x604/607/609 before filling out an application.
To Clarify the Scholarship Process
Please take a moment to read through the
Recipient or
Sponsor Handbook before
completing an application. These handbooks answer many of the questions associated
with the paperwork and timelines related to the T.E.A.C.H. MISSOURI Scholarship.
The information in these handbooks may better help you decide if the scholarship
is right for you and that the level you have chosen is the best fit.