The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MISSOURI Scholarship is an educational scholarship opportunity for early childhood professionals in licensed child care center-based, group-based and family child care programs.
Why is T.E.A.C.H. MISSOURI needed?
The education level of child care providers is one of the most critical indicators of the quality of a child’s experience in child care. Addressing two major areas of concern in the early care field, low wages and high turnover of child care providers, the scholarship increases compensation and the retention of teachers after their education.
Who benefits from T.E.A.C.H. MISSOURI?
| Children: | As the primary beneficiaries of T.E.A.C.H. MISSOURI, children benefit from lasting relationships with consistent caregivers committed to the field. Children profit from teachers who are specialists in early childhood education and development and who possess sensitivity to the needs of the very young. |
| Recipients: | Teachers, assistants, directors, owners and family child care professionals increase their knowledge and skill level through college course work. Recipients receive increased compensation for completion of courses, as well as support and career advising by a scholarship counselor. As a result, heightened professional status and job satisfaction are attained. |
| Sponsoring Employers: | Child care facilities benefit through knowledgeable staff members who apply higher quality early childhood practices to the children and families in their care. Programs experience reduced staff turnover, helping to improve quality and marketability while using the scholarship as a recruitment and advertising tool to the benefit of the facility. |
Who funds T.E.A.C.H. MISSOURI?
The scholarship is a partnership between scholarship recipients, sponsoring employers and T.E.A.C.H. MISSOURI. Funders include the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Social Services.
