About Us

What is T.E.A.C.H.?

T.E.A.C.H. provides an opportunity to access a higher education curriculum that focuses on the academic, social, and cognitive skills that develop in children from birth through school-age and beyond.

This unique scholarship program may help child care workers advance their career and role in the profession by pursuing a degree and higher education opportunities in the field of early childhood education. This is an exciting opportunity to further leadership skills in early childhood education.

The T.E.A.C.H. Program provides scholars:

The majority of the cost of tuition and books
For most scholars, a per-semester stipend for travel
A bonus for scholars who complete their contract
In most scholarship models, reimbursement to the childcare center or family child care home for release time given to scholars.

Participating Schools

Testimonials

“The teach scholarship has been an amazing opportunity for our teachers. We’ve had multiple teachers express their interest in pursuing higher education for early childhood however due to the low wages they are paid they are unable to afford it. So, with this tuition assistance scholarship it makes it affordable for them. It is also empowering. They come back from class though they work full time and go to school part time, which is their really big workload, they come back class renovated, refreshed and passionate and ready to use the concepts they learned within their classroom.” — Catherine Greene

“You guys are always there and very supportive. Thank you so much!”

“Communication is key! When my TEACH staff communicates to me what papers need to be submitted or things that I have to provide for them via email or phone call, I feel very supported.”

“I would love for the T.E.A.C.H. to continue staying touch with me with other opportunities as far as opportunities for me achieving my master’s degree. They can be helpful with workshops that have during the year.”

Why is T.E.A.C.H. Needed in RI?

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Rhode Island provides effective strategies that address the education, compensation and retention of the early childhood workforce in Rhode Island.

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Rhode Island recognizes the diverse educational backgrounds of the early childhood workforce and provides programs appropriate for early educators with no formal education beyond high school as well as those with advanced degrees. From educational institution capacity building to individual educational goals, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Rhode Island can be a change agent.

Goals of Scholarships

Develop and provide resources to increase the education, compensation and retention of the early education workforce in Rhode Island.
Build partnerships for professional development.
Reach the diversity of the field.
Use and strengthen existing higher education.
Collect, analyze and share data.
Create educational pathways.
Work to deliver high-quality, outcome-focused education.
Think system, not program as we grow and develop workforce initiatives.
Advocate for increased compensation for the early childhood workforce.
Be accountable to funders, T.E.A.C.H. customers, the workforce, policymakers, and higher education systems.