Hagerstown Community College (HCC) and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) are offering a unique funding opportunity for childcare providers to earn an Associate’s degree (A.A.S. or A.A.T.) in Early Childhood Education, A.A.T. in Elementary Education, or an A.S. in Education.

CCCPDF provides funding for college tuition, fees and books for eligible child care providers working in the State of Maryland. Approved candidates must possess the motivation and skills that will assist them in successfully completing their degree while employed in childcare and will continue to work in family or center-based early education programs upon completion of their degree, for a service commitment equaling 1 month per credit or 2 years for the completion of an Associate’s degree.

HCC will be accepting approved applicants from the Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund for the Fall semester. The deadline to apply to MSDE is March 1 of each year. The Grant Coordinator will begin meeting with potential CCCPDF students to complete applications to MSDE in January of each year for admittance to the program the following fall semester.

Qualifications:

• Be currently working in a Licensed Child Care Center, Head Start, or Private Preschool Program, or be a Registered Family Child Care Provider in the state of Maryland.
• Have at least one year of qualifying experience working in childcare and be currently employed in the field.
• Be eligible to apply for, or already a participant in the Maryland Child Care Credential Program, at a level 2 or higher. Applications should be completed at least 2 months in advance to the CCCPDF deadline date of March 1st.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Continue working in child care during the time of study, and for a period of time as determined by regulation upon the completion of the degree.
• Maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average.
• Successfully complete at least two college classes per award year (Fall, Spring, Summer Semester).
   

For information about the scholarship program or before sending in an application to MSDE, contact Samantha Early, Program Manager, at 240-500-2706 or slearly@hagerstowncc.edu.