What Is T.E.A.C.H.
T.E.A.C.H. (Teachers, Education, and Compensation Helps) is a scholarship program that covers tuition, books, and fees for childcare workers pursuing early childhood education degrees or credentials. The program operates in 19 states and Washington D.C., funded through a combination of state appropriations, federal grants, and employer contributions. T.E.A.C.H. participants commit to staying employed in participating childcare centers for a specified period after completing coursework, typically 12 to 24 months depending on the program structure.
How It Works
T.E.A.C.H. scholarships function differently than traditional financial aid. Participating childcare centers enroll in the program and contribute a small percentage of teacher salaries, usually 2 to 3 percent. The program covers the remaining costs for participating staff members. Teachers can pursue credentials like the CDA (Child Development Associate) credential, an Associate's degree in early childhood education, or coursework toward a Bachelor's degree at regionally accredited colleges.
The scholarship structure typically covers:
- Full tuition and mandatory fees for accredited programs
- Required textbooks and course materials
- Exam fees for credentials like the CDA
- Partial compensation replacement if teachers reduce hours to attend classes
Teachers work with program specialists to select courses aligned with their center's needs and their career goals. Most participants complete coursework while maintaining employment, spreading degree completion over 2 to 4 years.
Why It Matters for Your Childcare Decision
Staff qualifications directly affect quality ratings and developmental outcomes. Studies show that teachers with early childhood degrees, particularly Bachelor's degrees, implement more effective teaching practices and create more responsive classroom environments. Centers with T.E.A.C.H. participants often show improved NAEYC accreditation rates because the program emphasizes evidence-based practices and developmental knowledge.
When evaluating childcare options, ask whether your center participates in T.E.A.C.H. Participation signals that the center invests in staff quality and professional growth. This often correlates with lower staff turnover, meaning your child builds stable relationships with consistent caregivers. High turnover disrupts attachment and learning; centers using T.E.A.C.H. scholarships typically retain teachers longer because the program includes modest salary increases upon credential completion.
If your family receives CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) subsidies, centers with educated staff may qualify for higher reimbursement rates in some states, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
Common Questions
- Does my childcare center need to be licensed to participate in T.E.A.C.H.? Yes. Centers must hold current state childcare licensing and meet minimum operating standards. Family childcare homes can participate in some state programs but typically operate under different eligibility requirements.
- Can teachers keep their T.E.A.C.H. scholarship if they leave the center? No. Teachers who leave before fulfilling their commitment obligation typically must repay the scholarship or negotiate alternative arrangements with their new employer.
- How does T.E.A.C.H. relate to staff-to-child ratios? While T.E.A.C.H. doesn't directly set ratios, better-trained teachers implement more effective classroom management and developmental practices within their required ratios, improving quality at each interaction point.