SECC Program Outline
WHAT IS THE SCHOLARS PROGRAM?
The Scholars Program awards scholarships to eligible child care professionals to complete coursework in the area of child development or early childhood education and for the CDA and CCP Direct Assessment Application. These scholarships enable child care providers in Oklahoma to improve their skills through education, receive an educational stipend and continue the availability of quality child care in local communities.
Scholarships are available for:
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Coursework taken at community colleges leading toward: a CDA Credential, Certificate of Mastery, Director’s Certificate of Completion (directors and assistant directors only), Associate of Arts or Science degree in child development or early childhood education, Director’s Certificate of Mastery (through OSU-OKC for directors, assistant directors and family child care providers) or an Associate of Applied Science degree in child care center management or administration (directors and assistant directors only).
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Early Education: Pathway to CDA (a comprehensive CDA curriculum) coursework taken through technology centers leading toward the national CDA credential.
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CDA/CCP Direct Assessment Application.
An educational stipend is available upon completion of coursework and fulfillment of scholarship agreement and/or when CDA/CCP Credential is received.
Scholars Program Mission Statement
The Scholars for Excellence in Child Care program will ensure that eligible child care professionals in the state of Oklahoma have an opportunity to attend a community college to further their education while earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Certificate of Mastery, Director's Certificate of Completion, and/or an associate degree in child development or early childhood education.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for the Scholars for Excellence in Child Care program, child care providers must:
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Work in a one-star plus or above DHS- or tribal-licensed child care facility with a minimum of 10 percent subsidy children at time of application.
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Work at least 30 hours per week earning $15.50 or less per hour as follows:
Teachers: with children
Family child care providers: paid to care for children other than their own
Directors: performing administrative duties and/or working with children
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Be employed at a child care facility at least three months before beginning coursework or have taken ELCCT.
Note: Due to the availability of education and training funds, employees from federally funded child care programs are not eligible to participate in the scholarship. Additionally, employees from school-age programs are not eligible to participate in the scholarship at this time.
PROGRAM BENIFITS
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Technical assistance and support from scholar coordinators
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Educational stipends
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Increased quality of child care
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College credit for coursework
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Academic and student support services
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Networking with other child care professionals
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Outstanding faculty committed to student success
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Scholarship for the CDA or CCP Direct Assessment Application process
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Scholarships for coursework at community colleges and career technology centers