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Associate Degree Scholarship

We believe that supporting our educators is the first step to supporting our children and our future.

This starts with ensuring that early childhood educators have equal access to professional development opportunities and educational betterment, free of financial barriers that limit career growth. 

As part of our scholarship program, tuition up to 13 credits per semester and some fees are covered without any employer requirements. Requirements include maintaining a 2.5 GPA, working in an OCCL licensed childcare setting, and participation in progress updates with the Scholarship Coordinator. Upon completion of a degree program, six months continuous employment in early child care and education is also required for completion stipends.

Requirements for Scholarship Eligibility

Tuition covered up to 13 credits per semester at approved college/university

Maintain a 
2.5 GPA

No employer
requirements

Work in an OCCL licensed childcare setting at least 20 hours per week

Explore ECIC Scholarship Eligible Associate Programs in Early Childhood Education

  • Early Childhood Education and Administration Associate Degree

    Delaware State University

    The Delaware State University’s (DSU) Early Childhood Education and Administration Associate Degree will take educators to the next level in their careers while honoring the wealth of experience and passion they bring to early childhood education.

    DSU’s Early Childhood Education and Administration Associate of Arts program is culturally responsive, offers flexible learning options, and includes an entrepreneurial focus. The Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Administration at DSU is a comprehensive curriculum that aims to provide a supportive learning environment all while fostering professional growth. This degree will not only provide career advancement opportunities for educators but will also immensely impact the local community.

    Apply

  • Early Childhood Development

    Delaware Technical Community College

    Delaware Tech’s Early Childhood Development degree will give you the knowledge and skills required to enter the early childhood field. The Delaware Tech degree will teach you curriculum development and implementation, communication skills, and classroom management strategies. You will also participate in a number of practical experiences that provide the hands-on training needed to be successful in this field.

    Apply

  • Early Care and Education Birth to Second Grade

    Delaware Technical Community College

    You will learn how to implement developmentally appropriate practices based on state standards. You will also participate in practicum activities in public and private school systems and gain hands-on experience at the Delaware Tech Child Development Center. You will develop lesson plans that are sensitive to diversity, and establish and maintain safe environments and programs for early childhood children. This program is approved and accredited by the Delaware Department of Education.

    Apply

  • Associate in Early Childhood Education

    University of Delaware

    Designed for both working professionals and full-time students, the Associate in Early Childhood Education (ECE) gives students the skills and knowledge necessary for delivering high-quality early care and education for children from birth to age 5 in center-based and home-based settings.

    Apply

Associate Scholarship Incentives

Technology
Support

$250
Support Stipend per Semester

$2500
30 Credit Milestone Stipend

*coming into the program with under 30 credits and obtaining 30 or more credits while in our scholarship program

$5000
Completion Stipend*

*after six months continuous employment in early care and education

Continuation Stipend

$1000

For enrolling and being accepted to pursue your Bachelor’s degree within 6 months

$500

For enrolling and being accepted to pursue your Bachelor’s degree within 1 year

ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS

The Early Childhood Innovation Center works closely with colleges and universities in the state to clarify and develop articulation agreements, which provide seamless transition of credentials obtained at different institutions. For students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, the Childhood Development Associate® (CDA®), a nationally recognized credential in Early Childhood Care is considered for credit for prior learning at all institutions of higher education in Delaware who offer Early Childhood degree programs, allowing those credits to be applied towards the completion of your degree. Therefore, the ECIC aims to articulate credits for prior learning at all institutions of higher education in the state of Delaware who offer Early Childhood degree programs, allowing those credits to be applied towards the completion of your CDA. Program offerings are being developed and updated regularly–be sure to check each IHE for specific program offerings.

Delaware State University recognizes the CDA for 12 program specific college-level credits. Those include: Child Growth and Development, Introduction to Early Childhood Education Guidance of Young Children, and Philosophical Foundations.

Delaware Technical Community College recognizes the CDA for 12 program specific college-level courses. These include Child Nutrition & Safety, Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, Child Development (Birth to 2nd), and Childhood Classroom Management.

Wilmington University allows for nine (9) college credits as Industry Recognized Credentials. WilmU also accepts the CDA for three, three-credit courses: Health, Safety, and Nutrition, Professional Issues in Early Childhood, and Infant & Toddler Development.

When articulation agreements are in place, students who complete an Associate degree can transfer to a four-year institution of higher education as juniors in their respective program to earn a Bachelor’s degree. 

Current agreements – DTCC, under their Connected Degree partnerships, offer the following transfer options:

  • Early Care and Education (DTCC) to Delaware State University’s Early Childhood Education program
  • Early Care and Education (DTCC) to the University of Delaware’s Early Childhood Education program
  • Early Care and Education (DTCC) to Wilmington University’s Education Studies Concentration: Elementary Education K-6 program, and Elementary Education K-6.

CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING

Credit for Prior Learning and/or Articulation agreements for CDA completion follow the guidelines established by Delaware’s Department of Education and are under review and development.

Still Have Questions?

Not sure how the ECIC could help with your career?
Reach out to us!

Our team is happy to answer any questions you might have and talk through your goals for your career in early childhood education. 

Contact Us