Financial Support Opportunities for Early Childhood Educators

Below are various financial aid opportunities available to early childhood educators. Educators can also find early childhood career navigation support here.

Financial Support for Early Childhood Educators and Professionals

Aspiring Educators

TEACH Colorado
- FIRST – make sure you have an account on TEACH Colorado. This site has helpful resources, and if you set up a free account BEFORE becoming teacher qualified you can receive:
  - A $100 stipend once you get started on an early childhood teacher qualification pathway. This stipend applies for individuals that are becoming qualified as a lead teacher through a community college, coursework, an Early Childhood Professional Credential, Pyramid Colorado training, or Child Development Associate.
  - If you're earning a teaching license with a bachelor's or master's degree, you can apply for a $100 application/testing fee reimbursement and a $1000 TEACH Colorado Scholarship if your account is set-up before applying to an Educator Preparation program.
  - Then use TEACH Colorado's Financial Aid & Scholarships search engine to find additional supports.
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program
- Scholarship opportunities for early childhood professionals employed in a licensed early care and learning setting, or for early childhood specialists like coaches, substitute early childhood teachers, home visitors, and more. Some of the scholarships options include: EC Credential, Director Qualifications, Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree, and Master's Degree.
Educator Recruitment and Retention Program
- For individuals seeking to become a licensed educator and have:
  - Secured employment as an alternative teacher or temporary educator eligibility (TEE) educator in a shortage area; or
  - Currently employed as a paraprofessional in a school district, charter school or BOCES
  - Has secured a position as a CTE instructor in a rural or small rural district and meets state CTE requirements
Educator Funding Opportunities
Painter Service for Others Scholarship (UA2) - for individuals intending to pursue a career as a K-12 teacher or social worker focusing on assisting children and/or young adults. Need to be full-time junior or senior (minimum 12/credits/semester) at or transferring into a 4-year Colorado accredited post-secondary educational institution.
Winifred R. Reynolds Education Scholarship - Colorado resident for at least two years, enrolled or planning to enroll in a master's or doctorate level program in ECE or related program with ECE coursework focus.
Programs and Scholarships - including CDA and coaching scholarships
FAFSA
CAFSA and CAFSA -Qualified ASSET student

Colorado Rural Financial Options

Recent High School Graduates

Tax Credit and Loan Forgiveness

Care Worker Tax Credit - for qualifying early childhood professionals.
Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit - for early childhood professionals that have an active Early Childhood Professional Credential (ECPC), worked for at least six months in a licensed child care center or family child care home, and meet income requirements.
ECE Educator Loan Forgiveness