In return for receiving a scholarship, each participant must complete a certain amount of education, usually in the form of college coursework, during a prescribed contract period. Participants then must honor their commitment to stay in their child care program or the field for six months to a year, depending on the scholarship program. To find out specific amounts for each component above, click on one of the scholarship programs listed below the next question. Child care providers can contract for a minimum of one class to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential, a minimum of two classes to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential, or can work toward a Certificate, Diploma, Associate or Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education. One course for undergraduate or graduate credit is also offered to master teachers to train them to mentor beginning teachers.
Most participants attend classes part time.
Children are the main beneficiaries. They are able to bond with a provider who has made a commitment to the field, who is a specialist in early childhood education, who understands child development and who is sensitive to the needs of the very young. Providers benefit by increasing their knowledge and compensation. More than 19,000 child care providers in North Carolina have participated in the program. Over 1,900 of those scholarships supported child care professionals taking courses leading to an associate degree in early childhood education.