This page answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the T.E.A.C.H. project. Click Here for Sponsor Questions.
How do I apply ?
Call the T.E.A.C.H. office at 1-866-MI-TEACH (866-648-3224) to speak with a scholarship counselor about how the scholarship works and to request an appropriate application.
Who can qualify for a scholarship?
- Must currently be working in a licensed child care center / group home or a regulated family home.
- Must work a minimum of 20 hours per week (Note: some scholarships require 30 hours per week).
- As a teacher / teacher's assistant / aide make less than $14.25 per hour.
- As a director / owner make less than $15.00 per hour.
- As a family home provider / group home owner make less than $15.00 per hour after expenses.
- Nine month employment history is required for the Part-Time Associate degree scholarship.
- Sponsorship by employer is also required.
- Note: Michigan residents who work in licensed/regulated programs are eligible to apply.
When do I apply for an Associates Degree Scholarship?
Currently there is not a set deadline for Associate Degree applications. T.E.A.C.H. is accepting applications daily. If you are interested in receiving a scholarship or being reimbursed for your current semester/term classes please call us at 1-866-MI-TEACH (1-866-648-3224).
When do I apply for a CDA Assessment Scholarship?
For CDA Assessment scholarships, T.E.A.C.H. scholarships applications (blue) are due 1 month prior to Council deadlines. Council deadlines are:
- September 1st
- December 1st
- March 1st
- June 1st
T.E.A.C.H. deadlines are:
- August 1st
- November 1st
- February 1st
- May 1st
What are the benefits?
As a T.E.A.C.H. recipient:
- Meet other providers
- Increased training and competence
- Increased self esteem
- Viewed as an early childhood professional
- Compensation / bonus for efforts and dedication
- Money for tuition, books, and travel expenses
The program benefits:
- Increased quality
- Increased accreditation possibilities
- Decrease in staff turnover
- Offer scholarship as an educational benefit to employees
Children and families benefits:
- Provider who is trained and knowledgeable in early childhood development
- Consistency in care
Can I have a PELL Grant and a T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship?
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Michigan encourages all recipients to apply for the Pell Grant. The Pell Grant is designed to be used for various needs such as tuition, rent, child care, and any other needs you may have as a college student. Please visit www.fafsa.ed.gov for more information on Pell Grants and how to apply. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Michigan can't reimburse recipients for tuition, fees and books paid by other sources of financial aid. In the instance that another source of financial aid paid for tuition and books, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Michigan will still provide release time reimbursement, travel reimbursement and compensation. Each recipient will work with a scholarship counselor to arrange for coordination of grants and scholarships.
Can I participate if my center/group home will not sponsor me?
One of the requirements for this program is a partnership and commitment from all parties who benefit. Therefore, without center/group home owner sponsorship you would not be eligible. We would encourage you to have your program director/group home owner call the T.E.A.C.H. office so we can answer questions and concerns.
How does release time work?
As stated in the contracts, up to six hours per week during the semester / eight hours per week during a term must be provided to you. “Up to” addresses the issue of how many hours are provided. For example, if you are taking three semester credits, then you get three hours of release time per week. If you are taking six semester credits, then you get six hours of release time per week. If you are taking nine semester credits, then you only get a maximum of six hours of release time per week. If you are taking three term credits, then you get three hours of release time per week. If you are taking eight term credits, then you get eight hours of release time per week. If you are taking 10 term credits, then you only get a maximum of eight hours of release time per week. You should be paid at your usual hourly rate of pay when given release time. The center is then reimbursed for ½ of the total hours that they paid you at $8.00/hour. If $8.00 is more than your rate of pay, the center keeps the difference. If $8.00 is less than your rate of pay, then the center makes up the difference. Release time can be used during normal business hours at your facility. Release time cannot be used on holidays or Sundays.
What is a contract year?
A contract year is essentially three semesters or four terms. During that time you must complete 9-15 semester credit hours or 12-18 term credit hours. For example, if you begin taking classes in January (Winter or Spring semester) you would have until December (end of Fall semester) to complete a minimum of nine semester credit hours or 12 term credit hours or the maximum of 15 semester credit hours or 18 term credit hours. T.E.A.C.H. encourages you to be successful at both your job and your education. Therefore T.E.A.C.H. will only reimburse you for a maximum of six semester credit hours or eight term credit hours at one time.
What does the commitment really mean?
When you complete a contract your commitment begins. For example, if you finish a contract in August your one year commitment is from that day in August to August of the next year.
Why do I have to send my direct assessment application to T.E.A.C.H. if I am applying for the CDA Assessment Scholarship?
The completed direct assessment application must be sent to our office. It is our proof that you have completed the requirements to earn a CDA from the Council for Professional Recognition. Do not worry; we will safely mail it to the Council for you once we have determined it is complete and accurate.