For child care professionals in Alabama, the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a golden key to #career advancement. But that final assessment fee can feel like a locked door. What if you could get a special key that discounted that fee by 85%? That's exactly what the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Alabama Scholarship offers. It's not a trick or a gimmick; it’s a strategic investment in the state's ECE workforce. So, what do you need to know to take advantage of this incredible opportunity?
Is this scholarship reserved for a lucky few? The T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is designed for the working professionals who form the backbone of Alabama's child care system. If you are a #teacher, director, or family child care #home provider working in a DHR-licensed program, you are likely eligible. Typically, you need to be working a minimum number of hours per week and have the support of your employer, who often acts as a sponsor. The program’s goal is to make professional #development accessible to those actively committed to the field.
Do you have to front the money and hope for reimbursement? No, that’s the beauty of T.E.A.C.H. The scholarship is designed to be a true partnership. The program pays for the majority of the cost directly. The model often involves a three-way share, where T.E.A.C.H. pays the largest portion (around 85% for the CDA fee), and the #educator and their sponsoring child care program cover the small remaining amount. This shared-cost model ensures everyone has a little "skin in the game," fostering a strong sense of commitment and partnership.
Is there a hidden string attached? The "catch" is actually a benefit in disguise: a commitment to the field. After receiving the scholarship and earning your CDA, you typically commit to remain employed at your sponsoring center for a set period, often one year. This isn't a punishment; it's a strategy to reduce staff turnover—one of the biggest challenges in ECE. It ensures that the center that invested in you reaps the rewards of your new skills, creating a more stable and high-quality environment for children.
Is this just a way to save money? The T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is a comprehensive support system. Beyond the financial assistance, the program often provides counseling and administrative support to help you navigate the process. It's an investment that leads to higher education, increased compensation, and professional stability. By making the CDA more affordable, T.E.A.C.H. Alabama is empowering #educators, strengthening child care programs, and ultimately creating brighter futures for Alabama's children.
References:
alabamapartnershipforchildren.org/our-work/t-e-a-c-h/
www.children.alabama.gov/educators/workforce-development/
