RSTA Program is for students who would like to earn their CDA Credential, Director Credential, or School-Age Credential. Students who wish to earn their early childhood associate degree should explore T.E.A.C.H., PASSHE PDO, or PHMC funding options.
The Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program (RSTA pays 95% of tuition costs and fees for eligible college coursework taken by early learning professionals, with a maximum benefit of $8,000 per individual each fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). Tuition costs and fees net of other funding sources such as scholarships, stipends, discounts or grants (except the Pell Grant) are used to determine the amount of assistance.
Application Information: Please visit RSTA through the PA Keys
Completed applications must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the start of the course, or prior to the tuition due date, whichever is first. Application for RSTA can be found by logging into your personal profile the PA Key Registry under the financial assistance tab.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for funding consideration, applicants must meet all the following requirements. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
- Pennsylvania resident;
- Working in a child care facility that holds a current (in good standing) Child Care License under the Department of Human Services (DHS) and demonstrates continuous employment for at least 12 months;
- Working a minimum of twenty (20) hours weekly in a classroom setting or as the director, assistant director or education coordinator;
- Aides, Assistant Teachers, Teachers: Earning less than $21.63 per hour or $45,000 annually;
- Child Care Center Directors, Assistant Directors, Family or Group Child Care Home Owners/Operators: Earning less than $52,000 annually
- Agreeing to continue to work in a Keystone STARS facility for two months for every credit supported by the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program with two months beginning at the conclusion of the course for which funding was received. (Total time due will not exceed 24 months following the conclusion of the most recent course completed);
- Enrolled in credit-bearing courses at an in-state accredited institution toward a Child Development Associate (CDA) or an approved credential; and
- Maintaining a 3.0 GPA for the credit-bearing coursework toward a CDA or a credential in which the student is enrolled.
*NOTE: Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
