To best serve the diverse child care population in the state, T.E.A.C.H. MISSOURI has created three levels of scholarship. Please note that the scholarship levels increase by the amount of perks associated with each, not the degree sought. Read through and find the one that is right for you.
Level 1 Scholarships are 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 9-15 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. Learn more.
Level 2 Scholarships are most often used by those wishing to take early childhood related courses 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. Learn more.
Level 3 Scholarships are 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 courses 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. Learn more.
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Missouri Scholarship Models
| Scholarship | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Education |
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| Tuition & Book Costs | |||
| Recipient Portion | 10% – 15% tuition & books | 10% – 15% tuition & books | 10% tuition & books |
| Sponsor Portion | 10% – 15% tuition & books | 10% – 15% tuition & books | 10% tuition & books |
| T.E.A.C.H. Portion | 75% – 90% tuition & books | 75% – 90% tuition & books | 80% – 90% tuition & books |
| Release Time | |||
| Weekly study time for recipient at regular pay rate | N/A | 1.5 hours per week in course per semester | 3 hours per week in course per semester |
| T.E.A.C.H. reimbursement to sponsor | N/A | $7.50/hour – maximum of 66 hours reimbursed during one contract) | $7.50/hour – maximum of 132 hours reimbursed during one contract) |
| Compensation | |||
| T.E.A.C.H. to recipient | $300 upon completion of the education year (two $150 payments) | $300 upon completion of the education year (two $150 payments) | $300 upon completion of the education year (two $150 payments) |
| Sponsoring employer to recipient | Option A – Sponsoring employer matches the $300 bonus Option B – Sponsoring employer does not match the bonus |
Option A – Sponsoring employer matches the $300 bonus Option B – Sponsoring employer does not match the bonus |
Option 1 – Sponsoring employer gives a 2% raise over cost of living Option 2 – Sponsoring employer matches the $300 bonus |
| Commitment Served after education year (Option chosen with sponsoring employer) |
Option A – 6 months of continued employment at current child care employer/facility Option B – 6 months of employment in a licensed child care program |
Option A – 9 months of continued employment at current child care employer/facility Option B – 9 months of employment in a licensed child care program |
12 months of continued employment at current child care employer/facility |
Read about the Scholarship Requirements.
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.
