Scholarship Opportunity

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Minnesota Scholarship

Offered by Child Care Aware of Minnesota

The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Minnesota Scholarship helps eligible early childhood and school-age educators earn college credits, credentials, and degrees in Early Childhood Education or Child Development while continuing to work in Minnesota child care and education settings. The scholarship combines tuition and book assistance with paid release time, a travel or internet stipend, and compensation incentives.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelCertificate Student, Undergraduate Student, Working Professional

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

Fall Semester Coverage

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineNovember 1, 2026

Spring Semester Coverage

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineMarch 1, 2027

Summer Semester Coverage

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineJuly 1, 2027

Eligibility

  • Have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Be employed by a licensed or certified early childhood program, be a licensed family child care provider, be employed by a public prekindergarten program, or work for a qualifying school-age care program in Minnesota.
  • Work at least 20 hours per week.
  • Be accepted into a Child Development or Early Childhood Education degree program or be pursuing college credits toward a Child Development Associate Credential at an approved accredited Minnesota college or university.
  • Have a Develop Individual Membership.
  • Not currently receive a REETAIN grant from Child Care Aware of Minnesota.
  • Commit to remaining with the current employer for one year after the scholarship ends.

Requirements

  • Complete the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship application.
  • Submit a signed participation agreement.
  • Submit a recent pay statement or Schedule C for family child care providers.
  • Submit a financial aid award or denial letter, financial aid email, or FAFSA result.
  • Submit a college acceptance letter or current unofficial transcript.
  • Submit a Develop Learning Record documenting active membership.
  • Submit a signed W-9 tax form.
  • Obtain employer approval when required.

How to Apply

  1. 1Confirm employment in an eligible Minnesota early childhood or school-age care setting.
  2. 2Confirm acceptance into an eligible Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or CDA-related college pathway.
  3. 3Establish or verify Develop Individual Membership.
  4. 4Complete the appropriate participation agreement with the employer or child care program.
  5. 5Gather employment and income documentation.
  6. 6Gather financial aid documentation.
  7. 7Obtain the college acceptance letter or current unofficial transcript.
  8. 8Complete and submit the online T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship application.
  9. 9Upload all required supporting documentation.
  10. 10A T.E.A.C.H. counselor generally contacts the applicant within one to two weeks after all materials are received.
  11. 11Complete renewal requirements if continuing the scholarship into additional terms.