Summer 2026 Applications are now closed.

Thanks so much for your interest! Please check back soon for Fall application dates, and be sure to subscribe to our email list for the latest updates.Have questions or need support? reach us at teachearlychildhoodvermont@vtaeyc.org and we would be happy to help!

TEACH Early Childhood® Vermont
Scholarship Program

When Early Childhood Educators Succeed, Everyone Wins.

TEACH (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Early Childhood® Vermont Scholarship Program is a comprehensive scholarship program that provides the early childhood workforce access to debt-free educational opportunities and is helping to establish a well-qualified, fairly compensated, and stable workforce for our children in Vermont. TEACH Early Childhood® Vermont is administered by the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC).

Uplifting Quality of Care

Supporting early childhood educators to access education in their field empowers them to deliver higher quality of care to the children and families they serve. 

Strengthening the Workforce

Increasing the earning power of early childhood educators attracts more people to the field, enables them to stick with the work they’re passionate about, helps prevent stress and burnout, and reduces turnover. All of this results in a better experience for children and families utilizing child care.

The Five Components
of TEACH Early Childhood® Vermont

  • Comprehensive Scholarship. TEACH Early Childhood® Vermont covers 100% of tuition and book fees, and provides a stipend to help with the costs of attending classes. Your sponsoring child care program is required to give you paid release time to attend class, study, or handle personal needs.

  • College Education. Earn college credits toward a degree or licensure in early childhood education.

  • Compensation. Earn a raise or bonus after successfully completing your scholarship contract.

  • Commitment. You agree to continue working at your current program for at least one more year following the completion of your contract.

  • Counseling. Get support from TEACH Early Childhood® Vermont Counselors in navigating the college process and scholarship requirements, including scholarship management and career development. 

Program Details

Scholarship
Benefits

Scholarships cover a portion of tuition, books, paid time off during classes, and includes a stipend to cover related expenses. This Program also awards recipients with a financial bonus upon completion of required credits.

Your
Commitment

Recipients must complete 9-15 college credits, commit to remaining at their employer for a minimum of 3 months, and to remain in a registered or licensed early childhood program regulated by the CDD for an additional 9 months after the completion of this contract.

Employer Contributions

Employers sponsor recipients by awarding them an annual raise and/or bonus upon completion of the required credits. Many scholarship models also give employer-sponsored paid time off from work to complete required coursework.

Ready to Apply?

After determining which Scholarship Model is right for your career goals, complete the steps below.

Open application periods are:

Summer 2026 Term:  March 23–April 17, 2026

Please expect to hear back from us within two weeks of the application deadline regarding determinations.

Apply to your College

View the College Resource Directory for information about the Early Childhood Education Programs offered at participating Vermont colleges.

Please note, apprenticeship candidates should apply for the CCV Childcare Certificate.

Little girl with gray tank top, blue headband, light skin, long brown hair stands outside and smiles with a big mud smudge on her nose

Apply for FAFSA and VSAC

Complete both the 2026–2027 Academic Year FAFSA (Pell Grant) and VSAC (Vermont Grant) applications now.

Early action helps you stay prepared and well-supported throughout your academic year.

 

Gather Documents

Please ensure that all documentation clearly displays your name.

Complete an Application

Once you’ve completed the pre-steps, you’ll be ready to apply!

Summer 2026 scholarship applications are now closed. Please subscribe to VTAEYC for information on future application periods. 

Have questions? Please reach out, we’re here to support you every step of the way!

Resources

For Recipients

View the information, tools, forms, and resources available to recipients. These supports will assist you in navigating the requirements of the Program.

For Sponsor Programs

View the documents, resources, and additional benefits available to those who agree to become a Sponsor Program.

Annual Reports

The TEACH National Center publishes an Annual Report, State Profile Compendiums, and other reports that share current Vermont state outcomes.

For More Information:

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below, watch the recording of the informational webinar, or contact us at teachearlychildhoodvermont@vtaeyc.org, or call (802) 234-1090, ext 1.

TEACH Early Childhood® Vermont is a licensed program of Early Years. A Comprehensive Approach to Enhancing Early Care and Education.