This funding option is for students who would like to earn their CDA via Apprenticeship, CDA via coursework, Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
The ECE PDO at PASSHE is working to remove barriers that often get in the way of early childcare providers’ ability to advance their education and professional development. By sponsoring no-cost tuition and the cost of course materials, computers, WiFi, and other technology supports to qualifying applicants, many prohibitive barriers are removed. Additionally, 24/7 tutoring and multilingual supports are available. Further, PDO Success Coaches will offer assistance such as time management guidance to students to help them balance home, work, and school obligations. Removing these barriers to education will lead to greater numbers of individuals who will earn a Child Development Associate certificate (CDA) and Associate’s or Bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education that prepare them for good, in-demand jobs.
Application Information
To apply, go to the PASSHE PDO website and apply for tuition assistance; apply to a partner school program; register for classes.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a Pennsylvania resident and work in northwest, southwest, central, or northeast regions (students who reside in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia counties, please see the PHMC ECE PDO information).
- Be a current employee at a certified child care program for 3 months or more or demonstrate employment history of 6 months in child care if newly hired. Participants actively enrolled in PDO activities will not be impacted by change of employer as long as the new employer is a certified child care program
- Work a minimum of 25 hours per week directly in a certified child care program
- For child care directors make no more than $25.00 per hour; for child care teachers, asst. teachers and aides make no more than $21.63 per hour
- Be interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college toward an AA or BA degree or a CDA credential
- GPA and course grades meet transfer requirements; a watch plan is developed for participants not meeting transfer requirements
- Sign a Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education Commitment Form
First, apply to PASSHE for tuition assistance here.
Next, complete the NCC student survey
Third, student applicants will be contacted by a PASSHE ECE Professional Development Coordinator. Consider them as your personal navigator who will help to match you with a PDO education partner that meets your needs and future vision.
Last, your NCC ECE Professional Development Coordinator will help you to register for classes at NCC. Many schools follow a semester schedule (so do not delay!), and some make summer courses available. The PDO partnership enables students to transfer credit-bearing courses from one education partner to another, thus offering tremendous flexibility!
Once you receive eligibility status, contact with the email to Tara Pascoe at tpascoe@northampton.edu
For more information from PASSHE PDO visit: ecepdo.org/about-us/
View NCC Apprenticeship Information
