Childcare Teacher Scholarships

 The Montgomery College Foundation offers more than 300 scholarship opportunities, generously provided by businesses, organizations, and individuals. Applicants should have at least a 2.5 GPA or higher, enroll for six credits and be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. There are two deadlines: June 30 for the fall semester and December 31 for spring semester.

Admitted students can apply for all MC Foundation scholarships by completing one online application through AcademicWorks . This online tool automatically matches you up with relevant scholarships. 

Early Care and Education Initiative (ECEI) Pathway Scholarship

The Early Care Education and Initiative Pathway (ECEI) is a partnership between Montgomery County, Montgomery College (MC), and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). The Early Care and Education Initiative (ECEI) awards tuition scholarships to individuals meeting all ECEI  Pathway Scholarship Eligibility requirements. The Early Care and Education Initiative (ECEI) supports the childcare workforce in completing a career or degree pathway in early childhood education with funding provided through the Montgomery County Early Care and Education Initiative. For more information or application (PDF, ) , email ECE.Pathway@montgomerycollege.edu

ECEI Pathway Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

• Employed 20 hours or more in center-based childcare or family childcare located within Montgomery County.
• Pursuing the 45-hour Infant/Toddler Certificate, Child Development Associate (CDA) or majoring in the 1 Year Certificate, AAS or AAT degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Be Credentialed by Maryland State Department of Education Childcare Credentialing.
• Recipients are required to submit employment verification each semester and required to renew via an application process annually.

Program Benefits:

• Individualized academic advising with a Montgomery College Early Childhood faculty.
• One-one support with application process from the Montgomery College ECEI Program Coordinator.
• Direct tuition payment to Montgomery College for
    -  MSDE approved 45 Hour Infant Toddler Certificate or courses leading to the Child Development Associate, CDA (noncredit)
    -  Courses leading to the 1 Year Early Childhood Certificate (code 177), Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Arts in  Teaching (AAT) in Early
       Childhood Education.
• Opportunity to apply for the scholarship throughout the year, including winter and summer semesters.

Inquiries must be directed to Ms. Meylin Mejia Cardenas at ECE.Pathway@montgomerycollege.edu or (240) 567-4062.

Scholarship funding is contingent on approval and only while funding is available through the Montgomery County Early Care and Education Initiative.

The CCCPDF grant is a federal grant awarded through the Maryland State Department of Education to Montgomery College to pay for tuition, books and fees of degree seeking child care providers. All applicants must have at least one year of experience in childcare, be credentialed with MSDE, and be majoring in one of the following: Early Childhood Development AAS, Early Childhood Education AAT or Elementary Education/Special Education AAT.

Requirements:

• Participate in the MD Credential - Level 2 or higher
• Work as a provider in a licensed CC or be a registered FCC - at least 10 hours per week
• Fulfill entrance requirements at the participating College
• At least one year of documented experience in an approved setting
• Maintain employment while participating in the fund
• Agree to complete the service commitment requirement in Maryland for at least 10 hours per week after completion of the degree
• Maintain at least 2.50 cumulative GPA from the point of first entering the program (Continuation Applicants only)
• Complete at least two courses per year

Students are required to apply annually for the grant; first-time applications are due by March 1 and continuation applications are due by June 30.  See the following documents for more information:

CCCPDF Application (PDF, )  
CCCPDF Application Check List (PDF, )

 All students must contact the Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund Coordinator Professor Ladan Rahnema.  

The Maryland Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG) program is for students who plan on working in specific career/occupational programs upon graduation, including these two areas in education: 

• Hattie N. Harrison Memorial Scholarship (Child Development or Early Childhood Education)
• Sharon Christa McAuliffe Scholarship  (Education - Does NOT include elementary education as a critical area.)

Recipients must become certified teachers in Maryland in the certification area in which they applied and were awarded and then be employed in a Maryland public or private elementary or secondary school as a full-time classroom teacher in that area.