Educational Development Scholarships ::
You may use Educational Development Scholarships to obtain the following degrees:
- Associate of Arts/Sciences/Applied Sciences in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with Birth-to-8 Early Childhood Endorsement from the University of Wyoming
- Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences/Child Development Option
- University of Wyoming Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education Post-Graduate Birth-to-5 Early Childhood Endorsement Programs
- Remedial education classes required to enter any of the above
Comparable degrees or endorsements from accredited institutions in other states will also be considered. Scholarship funds (including costs of books) will be paid directly to the educational institution.
Who is eligible?
Any child care owner or staff member who is working at least 15 hours a week in a Wyoming licensed child care program is eligible.
What is offered?
- Up to $1,000 for allowable expenses per semester;
- Funding for remedial classes when necessary; and
- A lifetime maximum of 150 credit hours.
What is required?
- Enrollment in the University of Wyoming, a Community College or other accredited institution, as defined by the Wyoming Department of Education, for a minimum of 1 credit hour per semester;
- Contractual agreement with the Department of Workforce Services;
- Continuous enrollment in at least one (1) credit hour in each of two (2) semesters of a fall, spring, or summer semester within the course of a year based on enrollment date;
- Satisfactory performance (maintain a 2.0 or higher grade point average);
- Good standing status with the educational institution and the WY Quality Counts!™ Educational Development Program; and
- Employment in a Wyoming licensed child care program for:
- 1,000 hours for an Associates Degree (to be completed within 18 months),
- 2,000 hours for a Bachelor's Degree (to be completed within 24 months) and
- 750 hours for a Post-Graduate Endorsement (to be completed within 12 months)
The Department of Workforce Services will prorate the mandatory employment period for individuals that have already completed coursework that can be applied to the approved education plan.
How do I apply?
Submit an application (available in Word or PDF) to the Department of Workforce Services at least 45 days and not more than 110 days prior to the beginning of each semester of coursework. Please use our Application Due Date Calculator to find out exactly when you are required to submit your application.
- Application & Instructions (Word or PDF)
Summary
Scholarships for initial and renewal Child Development Associate (CDA) certificates are available through CDA scholarships. CDA scholarships will be paid directly to the CDA program provider.
Who is eligible?
Any child care owner or staff member who is working at least 15 hours a week in a Wyoming licensed child care program is eligible.
What is offered?
- Up to $1,500 for allowable expenses per certificate;
- Initial and renewal certificates; and
- Second setting certificates (if required by the child care program).
What is required?
- Enrollment in a Department of Workforce Services' approved CDA program;
- Contractual agreement with Department of Workforce Services;
- Continuous enrollment during the CDA program;
- Satisfactory performance;
- Good standing status with the CDA program and the WY Quality Counts!™ Educational Development Program; and
- Employment in a Wyoming licensed child care program for 500 hours upon completion of each CDA certificate program.
How do I apply?
Submit an application (available in Word or PDF) to the Department of Workforce Services at least 45 days and not more than 110 days prior to the beginning of the CDA program.
- Application & Instructions (Word or PDF)
How do I find a CDA trainer in my area?
Please view our approved CDA Trainer Registry.
Summary
Participation in the Apprenticeship Program for Child Care Development Specialists is available through the Educational Development Scholarship Program. Apprenticeship program scholarships shall be paid directly to the program provider with no up-front costs to the eligible participant.
Who is eligible?
Any child care owner or staff member who is working at least 15 hours a week in a Wyoming licensed child care program is eligible.
What is offered?
- Up to $3,000 for allowable expenses ($1,500 per year).
What is required?
- Enrollment in the registered apprenticeship program;
- Contractual agreement with the Department of Workforce Services;
- Continuous enrollment in at least one (1) credit hour in each of two (2) semesters of a fall, spring, or summer semester within the course of a year based on enrollment date;
- Satisfactory performance (maintain a 2.0 or higher grade point average);
- Good standing status with the apprenticeship program and the WY Quality Counts!™ Educational Development Program; and
- Employment in a Wyoming licensed child care program for 1,000 hours upon completion of the apprenticeship program; mandatory employment hours must be completed within 12 months.
How do I apply?
Submit an application (available in Word or PDF) to the Department of Workforce Services at least 45 days and not more than 110 days prior to the beginning of the apprenticeship program. Please use our Application Due Date Calculator to find out exactly when you are required to submit your application.
- Application & Instructions (Word or PDF)
How do I find an apprenticeship program provider?
The Wyoming Children's Action Alliance currently administers the registered apprenticeship program. For additional information, please contact them.
