Early Childhood Development Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority

Description Purpose and target audience

The Early Childhood Development Scholarship supports Kentuckians who work in daycare and preschool settings by helping them earn credentials, certificates, and degrees in early childhood education. It is designed for early childhood practitioners seeking formal qualifications to improve their skills and advance their careers. The program focuses on credentialed pathways that align with workforce needs in early learning settings across Kentucky.

Key takeaways:

• Supports daycare and preschool workers in Kentucky.
• Covers credentials, certificates, and degrees in early childhood education.
• Intended to advance skills and career progression in early learning settings.

Eligibility Basic eligibility criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet state residency and immigration status requirements and be enrolled in an approved program at a participating institution. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by their school and have no unpaid financial obligations to KHEAA or any federal Title IV program. Applicants who receive state or federal training funds through Head Start, a public preschool program, or First Steps are not eligible.

Key takeaways:

• Must be a Kentucky resident and a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.
• Must be enrolled in an approved program at a participating institution.
• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress and have no unpaid KHEAA/Title IV obligations.
• Not eligible if receiving Head Start, public preschool, or First Steps training funds.

Approved

Programs of

Study Qualifying credentials and degrees

The scholarship covers a range of early childhood education credentials and degree programs approved for the award. Approved study areas include entry-level credentials through graduate degrees, as well as a director certification for those pursuing leadership roles. Programs must be recognized by the Early Childhood Development Authority or otherwise designated as qualifying.

Key takeaways:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is eligible.
• Associate’s degree in early childhood education is eligible.
• Bachelor’s or master’s in interdisciplinary early childhood education (or approved related programs) are eligible.
• Kentucky Early Childhood Development Director’s Certificate is eligible.

Service

Commitment &

Employment

Requirements Work expectations and service obligation

Recipients must be employed in participating early childhood settings to qualify and must agree to a service commitment tied to the credential pursued. Specifically, applicants must work at least 20 hours per week in a participating facility or be employed as a preschool associate teacher in a state-funded preschool program. The length and terms of the required service commitment vary depending on the credential and are part of the scholarship agreement.

Key takeaways:

• Minimum employment of 20 hours per week in a participating early childhood facility is required.
• Employment as a preschool associate teacher in a state-funded preschool also qualifies.
• Recipients must sign a service commitment; terms depend on the credential awarded.

Application

Process Required applications and submission steps

Applicants must complete two separate applications to be considered: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Early Childhood Development Scholarship application. The scholarship application is available by signing in to MyKHEAA and selecting “Apply Online for Scholarships.” Applicants should confirm institutional participation, monitor deadlines, and submit all required documentation to avoid delays.

Key takeaways:

• Submit the FAFSA as the first required step.
• Complete the Early Childhood Development Scholarship application via MyKHEAA.
• Verify participating institution status and adhere to application deadlines.

Next

Steps and

Where to

Confirm

Details Verify award details, timelines, and contacts

Award amounts, disbursement schedules, and specific application deadlines can vary by year and institution. Prospective applicants should check MyKHEAA and their school’s financial aid office for the most current information and to confirm participation. Contact your institution’s financial aid office or KHEAA for questions about eligibility, award value, or the service commitment.

Key takeaways:

• Award value and timelines are subject to change—verify current details.
• Use MyKHEAA and your school’s financial aid office as primary resources.
• Contact KHEAA or your financial aid office with questions about eligibility or obligations.