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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC09-008 QualistarQ ualistar A R Y L 3607 Martin Luther King Blvd Denver CO 80205 phone 303 - 339 -6800 toll free 888 -58€I -8994 fax 303- 339 -6834 a 11 Ei Memorandum of Understanding Qualistar Early Learning and BrightStart Early Childhood Council, Eagle County Health & Human Services This Memorandum of Understanding is made effective as of January 1, 2009 by and between Qualistar Early Learning, a Colorado not - for - profit corporation (Qualistar), and BrightStart Early Childhood Council, Eagle County Health & Human Services, a governmental entity. WHEREAS, Qualistar is a Colorado not - for -profit corporation with its principal place of business located at 3607 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80205 -4976; WHEREAS, Eagle County Health & Human Services administers the BrightStart Early Childhood Program with its principal place of business located at 551 Broadway, Eagle, CO 81631 (P.O. Box 660, Eagle, CO 8163 1) ; WHEREAS, Qualistar administers the COLORADO T.E.A.C.H. EARLY CHILDHOOD® scholarship program, (T.E.A.C.H), in the State of Colorado; WHEREAS, Qualistar and Eagle County Health & Human Services desire to work together to provide an opportunity for Eagle County child care providers to have access, to supplemental college level training so as to increase their potential compensation and thereby encourage retention of child care providers throughout Eagle County; and WHEREAS, increased staff training and child care provider education has a significant impact on early learning experiences for children enrolled in early learning programs throughout the County. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that: A. Qualistar, as administrator of the T.E.A.C.H. program, will provide the following program functions: 1. Determine scholarship recipients, with assistance from Brigh�Stait Early Childhood Council. Schularsfiip recipients must meet requirements outlined in the T.E.A.C.H. application materials (see Exhibits A and B,, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this - reference); with the exception of the wage-limit- requirement and the year of employment requirement. The wage requirement is waived for Eagle- funded T.E.A.C.H. scholarships due to the extremely high cost of living in that county. Applicants who have been employed for only 6 months by the start of the scholarship will also be considered for T.E.A.C.H. scholarships. 2. Develop contracts with scholarship recipients and their employers. 3. Maintain data on all scholarship recipients and their employers, including wage, position and education information. 4. Encourage scholarship recipients to seek educational and professional development counseling from the Early Childhood Coordinator at the colleges. 5. Establish third party billing arrangements with the recipients' colleges. 6. Reimburse recipients for books, mileage and related educational expenses, as outlined in attached scholarship matrix. 7. Reimburse employers for substitute staff time under 12- credit scholarships, as outlined in attached scholarship matrix. 8. Track recipients' educational progress and generate payment of compensation bonuses, when recipients successfully complete required coursework. 9. Facilitate the employers' payments of their shares of the compensation bonuses, once recipients successfully complete work commitment periods. , 10. Provide program updates regarding participants, scholarship status, enrollment, grades and the expenditure of funds to the BrightStart Early Childhood Council upon request. 11. Provide program evaluation to the BrightStart Early Childhood Council in a report upon final completion of all BrightStart funded scholarships. B. Eagle County Health & Human Services, through the BrightStart Early Childhood Council will partner with Qualistar in the selection of scholarship recipients by providing Qualistar with mailing labels or other contact information as needed to fully obligate the T.E.A.C.H. funds. C. Eagle County Health & Human Services, through the BrightStart Early Childhood Council will disburse a total of $10,000 to Qualistar by December 31, 2009. Qualistar will create a budget based on the final distribution of 6 and 12 credit scholarships that obligates an estimated $8500 to direct scholarship costs and an estimated $ 1500 to the administration of the T.E.A.C.H. program. Direct scholarship costs are based on the following estimates and are broken down in the attached scholarship matrix: 6- Credit Scholarship at a Community College: $800; 12- Credit Scholarship at a Community College: $1875; 6- Credit Scholarship at a 4 -Year University: $1120; 12- Credit Scholarship at a 4 -Year University: $2515 Agreed to by the parties and made effective as of the date above: (40 ATTEST: Clerk to the Boar of County Commissioners COLORADO T.E.A.C.H. EARLY CHILDHOOD& By: Gladys W64son, President and CEO of Qualistar COUNTY OF EAGLE, STAT,4 OF COLORADO By and through it oar o un ommissioners B- r Peter F. Runyon, Chairman-" Colorado T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Matrix All classes must take place at a regionally accredited college and approved Early Childhood Education/Professions program. Priority will be given to classes that fall under "Colorado Core Knowledge and Standards" core curriculum. These dollar amounts are based on the average cost of tuition at Colorado's mayor conuirunity colleges and four -year state colleges. 6 Credits 12 Credits 6 Credits 12 Credits Communi College Community College 4 Year Colle e 4 Year College Tuition Total Tuition/Fees = $500 Total Tuition /Fees = $1,000 Total Tuition /Fees = $900 Total Tuition /Fees = $1800 Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider 80% TEACH (max 80% TEACH (max 80% TEACH (max 80% TEACH (max 80% TEACH (max 80% TEACH (max 80% TEACH (max 80% TEACH (max $400) $400) $800) $800) $720) $720) $ 1440) $ 1440) 20% Center 20% Family Provider 15% Center 20% Family Provider 15% Center 20% Family Provider 15% Center 20% Family Provider 0% Employee 5% Employee 5% Employee 5% Employee Expenses $175 Books $350 Books $175 Books $350 Books and /or approved related expenses and /or approved related expenses and /or approved related expenses and /or approved related expenses $50 Travel $50 Travel $50 Travel $50 Travel Center Support Not applicable $300 for substitute /release time (up to 60 Not applicable $300 for substitute /release time (up to 60 hours per scholarship) hours per scholarship) Education 6 Credits leading to a Colorado Early Childhood 12 Credits leading to a Colorado Early Childhood 6 Credits leading to a Bachelor of 12 Credits leading to a Bachelor of Credential or Associates degree in Early Credential or Associates degree in Early Science in Early Childhood Education Science in Early Childhood Education Childhood Education Childhood Education Commitment 6 months of continued employment at current 1 year of continued employment at current child 6 months of continued employment at current 1 year of continued employment at current child care program care program child care program child care program Compensation Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider $175 bonus from $175 bonus from $375 bonus from $375 bonus from $175 bonus from $175 bonus from $375 bonus from $375 bonus from TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after coursework, coursework coursework, coursework coursework, coursework coursework, coursework $75 bonus from center $325 bonus from center $75 bonus from center $325 bonus from after- work commitment after work commitment after work center after work commitment commitment All classes must take place at a regionally accredited college and approved Early Childhood Education/Professions program. Priority will be given to classes that fall under "Colorado Core Knowledge and Standards" core curriculum. These dollar amounts are based on the average cost of tuition at Colorado's mayor conuirunity colleges and four -year state colleges. Early Childhood@ Qualistar Early Learning 3607 Martin Luther King Blvd, Denver CO 80205 Phone: (303) 339 -6800 Toll Free: (888) 580 -8994 Fax: (303) 339 -6834 E -mail: teach @qualistar.org Dear Family Child Care Provider, Enclosed is an application packet for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program. Before applying, read this entire application packet to ensure you understand the benefits and responsibilities of this scholarship. T.E.A.C.H. is a comprehensive program encompassing much more than paying for tuition. While T.E.A.C.H. helps you attain your educational goals, it also provides cash bonuses in an effort to increase child care wages, and it works to reduce turnover in the child care field by requiring a commitment from you to continue operating your current child care business after completion of the coursework. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must submit: 1. All 4 pages of the application, fully completed 2. Income verification for each source of household income Complete applications must be submitted at least six weeks prior to intended enrollment. Incomplete applications will result in a delay of consideration or denial of a scholarship. At times there may be a waiting list for scholarships. Once we receive your application, we will review it to determine your eligibility and will notify you in writing if you have been accepted, denied, whether we need more information, or whether you've been added to a waiting list. The following list outlines some of the criteria we use to determine eligibility. If you have any questions or believe you have a valid exception to these criteria, please call our office before submitting the application. • Must be providing licensed child care for at least 32 hours per week • Must have worked for one year at current family child care business • Net income must not exceed $15.00 /hour (individual determination will be given to family child care providers with inconsistent or fluctuating income) The completed forms can be returned by mail to T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® at Qualistar Early Learning or by fax (address and number at top). If you are approved for a scholarship, you will receive a contract and further instructions by mail. We thank you for your interest in T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhoods. We look forward to working with you to increase the professionalism and quality of Early Childhood Education in Colorado! Sincerely, Sandy Minster T.E.A.C.H. Coordinator V I T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Facts and Program Information for Family Providers What is T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood@? T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Early Childhood® provides educational scholarship opportunities for child care professionals. Participants receive scholarships to earn undergraduate level Early Childhood Education Credentials, an Early Childhood Associates Degree or an Early Childhood Bachelor's Degree. Why is T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood@ needed in Colorado? • Research indicates that both higher education and specialized training in early childhood education are critical indicators of quality in a child's care experience. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® assists teachers, directors, and family child care providers in going back to school to earn more education. • Colorado child care professionals receive very low wages. On average, child care center teachers earn between $7 and $10 per hour and family providers net between $4 and $7 per hour. T.E.A. C.H. Early Childhood® provides a financial bonus upon completion of a scholarship contract. • Colorado has a child care provider turnover rate that has been estimated anywhere between 24 - 67% per year (depending on how it is calculated), compared to an average of 9.6% for all U.S. companies. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® requires that participants agree to remain in child care for six months to one year following the successful completion of the education requirements, thereby reducing turnover. Who can participate in T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood@? The scholarship recipient must meet the following criteria: 1. A qualified applicant must provide licensed child care in their home for a minimum of 32 hours per week. Exceptions can be made on a case -by -case basis for school -age providers and other part time programs. 2. Net income is not to exceed $20/hour for family providers. 3. The applicant must have a minimum of one year of experience operating their current child care business. 4. The applicant must have the financial resources to pay for 20% of their tuition costs because T.E.A.C.H. pays for 80 %. What are the responsibilities of the scholarship recipient? The applicant agrees to complete either 6 or 12 semester credit hours with grades of C or better at a participating accredited college within one year. They also commit to continuing their family child care business for a minimum of six months to one year upon completion of the educational contract requirements. Scholarship recipients meeting their responsibilities may reapply for additional T.E.A.C.H. scholarships to continue working toward their educational goal. How are the scholarships funded? A partnership exists between the participant, the sponsoring child care program and T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood@. The attached scholarship matrix provides the dollar amounts each partner contributes under each type of scholarship. Currently, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood@ is funded by CCDBG /CCDF funds through the Colorado Department of Human Services' Division of Child Care, by El Paso, Pueblo and Yuma Counties and /or Consolidated Child Care Pilots, by the city of Aspen and by the Colorado Head Start State Collaboration Office. What are the goals of T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood@? • To increase the knowledge base of teachers working with young children, thus improving the care children receive; • To encourage child care programs to support the continuing education of their staff; • To provide increased compensation that is directly related to increased education; • To reduce caregiver turnover by requiring a work commitment to the child care program from each scholarship recipient; • To provide a sequential professional development path for child care professionals; • To generate a collaborative funding base for T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood@ through state and federal funds, foundations, and additional corporate partnerships; To create a model of partnership for improving the quality of care that children receive in Colorado. For scholarship applications and additional information contact the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood@ Coordinator: 3607 Martin Luther King Blvd Denver CO 80205 Phone: 303 - 339 -6807 or toll free 888 -580 -8994 E -mail: teach @qualistar.org Web: www.qualistar.org Fax: 303 - 339 -6834 Colorado T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Matrix All classes must take place at a regionally accredited college and approved Early Childhood Education/Professions program. Priority will be given to classes that fall under "Colorado Core Knowledge and Standards" core curriculum. These dollar amounts are based on the average cost of tuition at Colorado's major community colleges and four -year state colleges. 6 Credits 12 Credits 6 Credits 12 Credits Community College Communi College 4 Year College 4 Year College Tuition Total Tuition/Fees = $500 Total Tuition/Fees = $1,000 Total Tuition/Fees = $900 Total Tuition/Fees = $1800 Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider 80% TEACH 80% TEACH 80% TEACH 80% TEACH 80% TEACH 80% TEACH 80% TEACH 80% TEACH (max $400) (max $400) (max $800) (max $800) (max $720) (max $720) (max $1440) (max $1440) 20% Center 20% Family 15% Center 20% Family 15% Center 20% Family 15% Center 20% Family 0% Employee Provider 5% Employee Provider 5% Employee Provider 5% Employee Provider Expenses $175 Books $350 Books $175 Books $350 Books and/or approved related expenses and/or approved related expenses and/or approved related expenses and/or approved related expenses $50 Travel $50 Travel $50 Travel $50 Travel Center Support Not applicable $300 for substitute /release time Not applicable $300 for substitute /release time Education 6 Credits leading to a Colorado Early 12 Credits leading to a Colorado Early 6 Credits leading to a Bachelor of 12 Credits leading to a Bachelor of Childhood Credential or Associates Childhood Credential or Associates Science in Early Childhood Science in Early Childhood degree in Early Childhood Education degree in Early Childhood Education Education Education Commitment 6 months of continued employment at 1 year of continued employment at 6 months of continued employment at 1 year of continued employment at current child care p ro ram current child care ro ram current child care p ogram current child care rogram Compensation Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider $175 bonus from $175 bonus $375 bonus from $375 bonus from $175 bonus from $175 bonus from $375 bonus from $375 bonus from TEACH after from TEACH TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after coursework, after coursework, coursework coursework, coursework coursework, coursework coursework $75 bonus from $325 bonus from $75 bonus from $325 bonus from center after work center after work center after work center after work commitment commitment commitment commitment All classes must take place at a regionally accredited college and approved Early Childhood Education/Professions program. Priority will be given to classes that fall under "Colorado Core Knowledge and Standards" core curriculum. These dollar amounts are based on the average cost of tuition at Colorado's major community colleges and four -year state colleges. I Early Childhood@ Scholarship Application for Family Child Care Professionals 3607 Martin Luther King Blvd Denver, CO 80205 Phone: (303) 339 -6800 Toll Free: (888) 580 -8994 Fax: (303) 339 -6834 E -mail teach @qualistar.org Date: Name: Address: City: Phone: (H) Email Address (if used): Employment Name of Business (if applicable): Social Security #: Zip: County: (Cell/other) License #: License Type: ❑ Family Child Care Home ❑ Large Family Child Care Home ❑ Infant Toddler Family Child Care Home ❑ Experienced Family Child Care Provider ❑ Family Child Care Home Approved for 3 under 2 ❑ Other Hours per week: Hourly wage (estimate): Date of license: / Current Child Care Enrollment: Desired Child Care Enrollment: With what age group do you work? (Check one): ❑ Combination ❑ Infants /Toddlers ❑ Preschoolers ❑ School -age Do you work year- round? ❑ Yes ❑ No If not, please explain: Demographic Information (The following questions are optional and will be used for reporting purposes only) Family Size: Family Type: ❑ Single, no kids ❑ Married, no kids ❑ Single parent ❑ Married parent Race: ❑ Black/African American ❑ White /European American ❑ Hispanic /Latino /Latina ❑ American Indian/Native American ❑ Asian Pacific Islander ❑ Multiracial ❑ Other How did you find out about T.E.A.C.H.®? ❑ Presentation ❑ Mailing ❑ R &R Agency ❑ College ❑ Center /Director /Coworker ❑ Educate Colorado ❑ CORRA/Qualistar Web Site ❑ Consolidated Pilot ❑ Other Educational Background Early Childhood@ High School Dates Attended Diploma G.E.D. Yes No Yes No College /Technical Dates Attended Major (s) Degrees or # of Credits Which college would you like to attend? Do you plan to take online (internet) or correspondence courses? ❑ Online . ❑ Correspondence ❑ Neither ❑ Don't know yet When would you like to begin your T.E.A.C.H. scholarship? ❑ Summer semester ❑ Fall semester ❑ Spring semester For which type of T.E.A.C.H. scholarship are you applying? ❑ 6- credit ❑ 12- credit Remember, you can finish all the required credits within one semester or spread them out as long as one calendar year. You may then reapply for another scholarship if you wish to continue toward your educational goal. Are you currently involved in an Early Childhood Degree program at a Colorado college? ❑ Yes ❑ No If yes, which degree /credential are you working on? What'are your personal and professional goals in early childhood education? Describe how a degree or credential will help you achieve these goals. Is there anything else about yourself that you would like us to consider when reviewing this application? Please list three personal or professional references. name Aaaress Ylione Numner Title /Kelation Early Childhood© T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Application - Statement of Income for Family Child Care Providers Instructions: List sources of income available to you. Family child care providers must complete the Monthly Income Sheet attached (please complete before filling out this form). APPLICANT'S INCOME A. Annual Earnings Job #1 $ /year (FROM MONTHLY INCOME SHEET, ATTACHED) B. Name of Employer #1 C. Hours per week D. Annual Earnings Job #2 $ /year E. Name of Employer #2 F. Hours per week G. Are you a student? ❑ Yes (go to H and I) ❑ No (go to J) H. Scholarships /Grants $ I. Student Loans $ J. Child Support/Spousal Maintenance $ /month K. TANF /SSI $ /month L. Your Total Income $ /year M. Your Spouse's Gross Income $ /year N. Total Income (Add lines L + M) $ /year Statement and Signature of Applicant I attest to the fact that the information I have provided is true and accurate. Based on this information I am applying to T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® for a scholarship to help pay for educational expenses. Signature of Applicant Date Early Childhood® T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Monthly Income Sheet Instructions: This sheet is to help you determine your monthly earnings from your family child care program. For each question, use the amount you made or spent last month. Special instructions are in italics. You must include verification of your income such as copies of receipts from each of the children in your care or a signed statement from each parent with the amount they pay you each week. 1. What is the total amount paid to you by parents each week? $ (Multiply for weeks /month) X4.33 2. Total Monthly Parent Fees $ 3. How much was your Child & Adult Care Food Program reimbursement? $ 4. How much was the DSS subsidy (CCCAP) for children in your care? $ 5. Total Monthly Revenue (Add lines 2, 3 and 4) $ How much did you spend for children in your day care home last month on the following? 6. Food $ 7. Toys $ 8. Assistant/Substitute Care $ 9. Crafts /Supplies $ 10. Transportation ($0.25 /mile) $ 11. Training Fees $ 12. Gifts for Children/Families $ 13. Other (specify) $ 14. Total Monthly Expenses (Add lines 6 -13) $ Revenue (Line 5) Expenses (Line 14) Monthly Earnings (Line A) Early Childhood® T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Center Participation Agreement 12- credit Scholarship Dear Director, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood®, a college scholarship program for early childhood professionals, requires the participation of each scholarship recipient's employing child care center. In the event that employee is awarded a scholarship I understand that the center agrees to participate in the following ways: 1. Pay 15% of the cost of tuition on a per semester basis. The center will be responsible for collecting the recipient's 5% and for paying the college the full 20% within 30 days of receipt of an invoice from the college. 2. Provide up to 2 hours per week release time to the employee for the purpose of attending classes and/or study time. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® will reimburse the center up to $300 per 12- credit scholarship contract for the cost of substitute /release time pay. 3. Pay the employee a $325 bonus at the completion of the one -year work agreement. The scholarship recipient will remain an employee of the center for one year after successful completion of the 12 credits. The 12 credits may be completed within one semester or throughout the length of one calendar year. Name of Center Center Mailing Address County: License #: Center Phone # Director Phone # (if different) Fax #: Email address (if used): Licensed Capacity: Current Enrollment: Desired Enrollment: Center Auspice: ❑ Profit ❑ Nonprofit ❑ Head Start/Head Start Vendor # NAEYC accredited: ❑ Yes ❑ No Other Accreditation: Print Name of Authorized Signer (Director /Owner) Signature of Authorized Signer Title Date IT k"'A Early Childhood® T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Center Participation Agreement 6- credit Scholarship Dear Director, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhoodg, a college scholarship program for early childhood professionals, requires the participation of each scholarship recipient's employing child care center. In the event that employee is awarded a scholarship I understand that the center agrees to participate in the following ways: 1. Pay 20% of the cost of tuition on a per semester basis for attendance at a community college or 15% of the cost of tuition on a per semester basis for attendance at a 4 -year college. In the case of attendance at a 4 -year college, the center will be responsible for collecting the recipient's 5% and for paying the college the full 20 %. The center will be responsible for paying the college within 30 days of receipt of an invoice. 2. Pay the employee a $75 bonus at the completion of the six -month work agreement. The scholarship recipient will remain an employee of the center for six months after successful completion of the 6 credits. The 6 credits may be completed within one semester or throughout the length of one calendar year. Name of Center Center Mailing Address County: License #: Center Phone # Director Phone # (if different) Fax #: Email address (if used): Licensed Capacity: Current Enrollment: Desired Enrollment: Center Auspice: ❑ Profit ❑ Nonprofit ❑ Head Start/Head Start Vendor # NAEYC accredited: ❑ Yes ❑ No Other Accreditation: Print Name of Authorized Signer (Director /Owner) Title Signature of Authorized Signer Date I 4T.E.A.C.H. t—� � Early Childhood® T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Application - Statement of Income Instructions: List all sources of income available to you. You must provide verification for each source of income. This can include a letter from your employer or your most recent pay stub to verify earnings from your employment and your spouse's employment (if applicable). A statement from your ex- spouse or a court award letter can be used to verify child support. A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. Applicant's Income Gross Annual Earnings Job #1 $ Name of Employer Job #1 Hours per Week Job #1 Gross Annual Earnings Job #2 $ Name of Employer Job #2 Hours per Week Job #2 Are You a Student? ❑ Yes (go to H -J) ❑ No (go to K) Dollars from Current Scholarships $ /year /year I. Dollars from Current Grants $ J. Student Loan $ K. Child Support/Spousal Maintenance $ /month L. TANF /SSI $ /month M. Your Total Gross Income $ /year N. Your Spouse's Gross Income $ /year O. Total Gross Household Income (Add lines M + N) $ /year Statement and Signature of Applicant I attest to the fact that the information that I have provided is true and accurate. Based on this information I am applying to T.E.A.C.H. Early ChildhoodO for a scholarship to help pay for educational expenses. Signature of Applicant Date Educational Background High School Dates Attended Diploma G.E.D. Yes No Yes No College /Technical Dates Attended Major (s) Degree or # of Credits Which college would you like to attend? Do you plan to take online (internet) or correspondence courses? ❑ Online ❑ Correspondence ❑ Neither ❑ Don't know yet When would you like to begin your T.E.A.C.H. scholarship? ❑ Summer semester ❑ Fall semester ❑ Spring semester For which type of T.E.A.C.H. scholarship are you applying? ❑ 6- credit ❑ 12- credit Remember, you can finish all the required credits within one semester or spread them out for as long as one calendar year. You may then reapply for another scholarship if you wish to continue toward your educational goal. Are you currently involved in an Early Childhood program at a Colorado college? ❑ Yes ❑ No If yes, which degree /credential are you working on? What are your personal and professional goals in early childhood education? Describe how a degree or credential will help you achieve these goals. Is there anything else about yourself that you would like us to consider when reviewing this application? Please list three personal or professional references. Name Address Phone Number Title/Relationship Early Childhood® Scholarship Application for Child Care Professionals 3607 Martin Luther King Blvd Denver CO 80205 Phone: (303) 339 -6800 Toll Free: (888) 580 -8994 Fax: (303) 339 -6834 E -mail teach @qualistar.org Date: Social Security #: Name: Address: City: Zip: County: Phone: (H) (W) (Cell /other) Email Address (if used): Employment Center of Employment: Center License #: Job Title (check one): ❑ Teacher ❑ Assistant Teacher ❑ Teacher Aide ❑ Teacher /Director ❑ Assistant Director ❑ Director ❑ Owner /Teacher ❑ Owner /Director ❑ Family Child Care Provider ❑ Other Hours per week: Hourly wage: Date of employment: With what age group do you work? (Check one): ❑ Combination ❑ Infants /Toddlers ❑ Preschoolers ❑ School -age Do you work year- round? ❑ Yes ❑ No If not, please explain: Demographic Information (The following questions are optional and will be used for reporting purposes only) Family Size: Family Type: ❑ Single, no kids ❑ Married, no kids ❑ Single parent ❑ Married parent Race: ❑ Black/African American ❑ White /European American ❑ Hispanic /Latino /Latina ❑ American IndianiNative American ❑ Asian Pacific Islander ❑ Multiracial ❑ Other How did you find out about T.E.A.C.H.®? ❑ Presentation ❑ Mailing ❑ R &R Agency ❑ College ❑ Center /Director /Coworker ❑ Educare Colorado ❑ CORRA/Qualistar Web Site ❑ Consolidated Pilot ❑ Other Colorado T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Matrix All classes must take place at a regionally accredited college and approved Early Childhood Education/Professions program. Priority will be given to classes that fall under "Colorado Core Knowledge and Standards" core curriculum. These dollar amounts are based on the average cost of tuition at Colorado's major community colleges and four -year state colleges. 6 Credits 12 Credits 6 Credits 12 Credits ComEgai y College Community College 4 Year College 4 Year CoRe e Tuition Total Tuition/Fees = $500 Total Tuition/Fees = $1,000 Total Tuition/Fees = $900 Total Tuition/Fees = $1800 Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider 80% TEACH 80% TEACH 80% TEACH 80% TEACH 80% TEACH 80% TEACH 80% TEACH 80% TEACH (max $400) (max $400) (max $800) (max $800) (max $720) (max $720) (max $1440) (max $1440) 20% Center 20% Family 15% Center 20% Family 15% Center 20% Family 15% Center 20% Family 0% Employee Provider 5% Employee Provider 5% Employee Provider 5% Employee Provider Expenses $175 Books $350 Books $175 Books $350 Books and/or approved related expenses and/or approved related expenses and/or approved related expenses and /or approved related expenses $50 Travel $50 Travel $50 Travel $50 Travel Center Support Not applicable $300 for substitute /release time Not applicable $300 for substitute /release time Education 6 Credits leading to a Colorado Early 12 Credits leading to a Colorado Early 6 Credits leading to a Bachelor of 12 Credits leading to a Bachelor of Childhood Credential or Associates Childhood Credential or Associates Science in Early Childhood Science in Early Childhood degree in Early Childhood Education degree in Early Childhood Education Education Education Commitment 6 months of continued employment at 1 year of continued employment at 6 months of continued employment at 1 year of continued employment at current child care v ro ram current child care p ro gram current child care program current child care rograrn Compensation Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider Center Employee Family Provider $175 bonus from $175 bonus $375 bonus from $375 bonus from $175 bonus from $175 bonus from $375 bonus from $375 bonus from TEACH after from TEACH TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after TEACH after coursework, after coursework, coursework coursework, coursework coursework, coursework coursework $75 bonus from $325 bonus from $75 bonus from $325 bonus from center after work center after work center after work center after work commitment commitment commitment commitment All classes must take place at a regionally accredited college and approved Early Childhood Education/Professions program. Priority will be given to classes that fall under "Colorado Core Knowledge and Standards" core curriculum. These dollar amounts are based on the average cost of tuition at Colorado's major community colleges and four -year state colleges. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Facts and Program Information Early Childhood® What is T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood®? T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Early Childhood® provides educational scholarship opportunities for child care professionals. Participants receive scholarships to earn undergraduate level Early Childhood Education Credentials, an Early Childhood Associates Degree or an Early Childhood Bachelor's Degree. Why is T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® needed in Colorado? • Research indicates that both higher education and specialized training in early childhood education are critical indicators of quality in a child's care experience. TEA. CH. Early Childhood® assists teachers, directors, and family child care providers in going back to school to earn more education. • Colorado child care professionals receive very low wages. On average, child care teachers earn between $7 and $10 per hour. T.E.A.CH. Early Childhood® provides a financial bonus upon completion of a scholarship contract. • Colorado has a child care center staff turnover rate that has been estimated anywhere between 24 - 67% per year (depending on how it is calculated), compared to an average of 9.6% for all U.S. companies. T E.A. C.H. Early Childhood® requires that participants agree to remain in child care for six months to one year following the successful completion of the educational requirements, thereby lowering turnover. Who can participate in T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood ®? The scholarship recipient must meet the following criteria: 1. A qualified applicant must be employed for a minimum of 32 hours per week in a licensed child care program. 2. Income is not to exceed $15/hour for center teachers, aides and assistants or $20/hour for center directors. Exceptions can be made for employees of school -age and other part time programs if the employee works full time as defined by that particular program. 3. The applicant must have a minimum of one year of experience working in their current child care program. 4. Employers must sponsor center employees' scholarships. The employer must agree to provide 2 hours of work release time per week (under 12- credit scholarships only), to pay 15 -20% of the scholarship tuition, and to pay a financial bonus upon completion of the work commitment. Sponsorship and release time do not apply to family child care providers. There is a partial substitute pay reimbursement for both family child care providers and centers under 12- credit scholarships. What are the responsibilities of the scholarship recipient? The applicant agrees to complete either 6 or 12 semester credit hours with grades of C or better at a participating accredited college within one year. They also commit to a minimum of six months to one year of continued employment at the sponsoring program upon completion of the educational contract requirements. How are the scholarships funded? A partnership exists between the participant, the sponsoring child care program and T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood& The attached scholarship matrix provides the dollar amounts each partner contributes under each type of scholarship. Currently, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® is funded by CCDBG /CCDF funds through the Colorado Department of Human Services' Division of Child Care, by El Paso, Pueblo and Yuma Counties and/or Consolidated Child Care Pilots, by the city of Aspen and by the Colorado Head Start State Collaboration Office. What are the goals of T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood ®? • To increase the knowledge base of teachers /directors working with young children, thus improving the care children receive; • To encourage child care programs to support the continuing education of their staff, • To provide increased compensation that is directly related to increased education; • To reduce staff turnover by requiring a work commitment to the child care program from each scholarship recipient; • To provide a sequential professional development path for child care professionals; • To generate a collaborative funding base for T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® through state and federal funds, foundations, and additional corporate partnerships; • To create a model of partnership for improving the quality of care that children receive in Colorado. For scholarship applications and additional information contact the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Coordinator: 3607 Martin Luther King Blvd Denver CO 80205 Phone: 303 - 339 -6807 or toll free 888 - 580 -8994 E -mail: teachgqualistar.org Web: www.qualistar.org Fax: 303 - 339 -6834 Childhood@ Qualistar Early Learning 3607 Martin Luther King Blvd Denver CO 80205 Phone: (303) 339 -6800 Toll Free: (888) 580 -8994 Fax: (303) 339 -6834 E -mail: teach @qualistar.org Dear Early Childhood Professional, Enclosed is an application packet for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhoods Scholarship Program. Before applying, read this entire application packet to ensure you understand the benefits and responsibilities of this scholarship. T.E.A.C.H. is a comprehensive program encompassing much more than paying for tuition. While T.E.A.C.H. helps you attain your educational goals, it also provides cash bonuses in an effort to increase child care wages, and it works to reduce turnover in the child care field by requiring a commitment from you to remain at your current child care program after completion of the coursework. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must submit: 1. All 3 pages of the application, fully completed 2. The appropriate Center Participation Agreement (6 or 12), signed by your Director 3. Income verification for each source of household income Complete applications must be submitted at least six weeks prior to intended enrollment. Incomplete applications will result in a delay of consideration or denial of a scholarship. At times there may be a waiting list for scholarships. Once we receive your application, we will review it to determine your eligibility and will notify you in writing whether you have been accepted, denied, whether we need more information, or whether you've been added to a waiting list. The following are the main criteria we use to determine eligibility. If you have any questions or believe you have a valid exception to these criteria, please call our office before submitting the application. • Must be working at least 32 hours per week in a licensed child care program, or full -time as defined by that child care program • Must have worked for one year at current child care center • Income must not exceed $15.00 /hour for teachers, aides and assistants or $20.00 /hour for directors (individual determination will be given to owners) • Sponsorship of employer The completed forms can be returned by mail to T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® or by fax (address and number at top). If you are approved for a scholarship, you will receive a contract and further instructions by mail. We thank you for your interest in T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhoods. We look forward to working with you to increase the professionalism and quality of Early Childhood Education in Colorado! Sincerely, Sandy Minster T.E.A.C.H. Coordinator