When you hear "cost-sharing," you might think of complicated insurance plans. But in Alabama's ECE world, it's the secret sauce behind the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship that helps you earn your CDA. The program brilliantly splits the cost three ways: T.E.A.C.H. pays the lion's share, your employer chips in a little, and you contribute a small piece. How does this three-way partnership create a victory for everyone involved?
Why should you pay anything at all? Because having a small financial stake in your own success is incredibly motivating. When you contribute a minor portion of the fee, you're not just a passive recipient; you're an active investor in your own #career. That small investment yields a massive return: the highly respected CDA credential, which leads to increased knowledge, confidence, and often, better pay. It’s the best professional bargain you’ll ever find.
What’s in it for your center’s director? Stability. The T.E.A.C.H. model requires the sponsoring center to contribute a small part of the fee, and in return, the #educator commits to staying with the center for a period (usually a year) after earning their credential. For a director, this is a golden opportunity. They get a higher-skilled, CDA-credentialed employee, and they get that employee’s loyalty for a year, drastically reducing costly staff turnover. It’s a small price to pay for a huge boost in quality and consistency.
Why is the state investing so heavily in this model? Because it works. The T.E.A.C.H. program has a three-part goal: increase education, increase compensation, and reduce turnover. By creating this three-way partnership, they achieve all three. They ensure #educators get the education they need, the model encourages centers to reward that education with better pay, and the commitment component keeps talented professionals in the field. It’s a brilliant strategy for elevating the entire child care ecosystem in Alabama.
What's the best way to describe this program? It’s the best of both. It has the financial benefit of a scholarship with the strength and commitment of a true partnership. Everyone contributes, and everyone wins. You get a career-changing credential at a fraction of the cost. Your center gets a more qualified, more loyal employee. And Alabama gets a more stable, higher-quality ECE workforce. It’s a masterclass in collaborative success. You may be eligible for a CDA Assessment scholarship if you:
If you have not yet completed your 120 hours of training, ChildCareEd offers the full 120 hours of CDA training as one course! Choose from Preschool, Infant/Toddler, or Family Child Care. Enroll today to get started advancing your career in Early Childhood Education.
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