The TEACH Early Childhood® Scholarship Program helps Florida educators earn professional credentials—like the FCCPC or CDA—through shared-cost funding and built-in support.
For directors, it’s a practical way to grow a stronger team without taking on the full financial burden. Retention is a part of the model, too; sponsored educators commit to staying with employers after completing their credentials for 1 year or longer.
In this guide, you’ll learn how TEACH Scholarship Florida works, what it covers, what the employer’s responsibilities are, and how to get started.
What Is TEACH Florida?
TEACH Early Childhood® Florida is a state-funded scholarship program designed to strengthen the early education workforce by tackling three major challenges: the cost of professional training, the need for qualified educators, and high staff turnover.
Through a shared investment model, TEACH helps early educators earn essential credentials like the FCCPC Certification, while also supporting the centers that employ them. The program reduces financial barriers, encourages long-term staff retention, and creates more opportunities for educators to grow within the field.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what each party contributes under the TEACH shared investment model:
|
TEACH Florida |
Sponsoring Employer |
Scholar |
|
Covers most of the tuition, fees, and books |
Pays a small portion of tuition (typically 10%) |
Completes coursework and earns a credential |
|
Provides a stipend each semester |
Offers up to 3 hours/week of paid release time |
Commits to stay with employer for ~1 year after completion |
|
Reimburses paid release time (up to 48 hours/semester) |
Approves and supports the scholarship application |
The sections below go into more detail about the role and requirements of TEACH, the sponsoring employer, and the scholar.
What TEACH Florida Provides
Let’s break down what TEACH Scholarship Florida actually provides as part of the shared investment model.
For directors, this is the support your program receives when you sponsor an educator:
- Covers most of the cost of tuition and books: TEACH pays the majority of these expenses, reducing the financial barrier for your staff and your budget.
- Provides a stipend each semester: Scholars receive $250–$300 per semester to help cover expenses related to their training.
- Offers tiered bonuses for degree-seeking educators: Educators working toward college credit may be eligible for completion bonuses ranging from $800 to $1,200 (center-based) or up to $1,500 (family child care).
- Reimburses your center for paid release time: If you provide up to 3 hours of paid release time per week, TEACH reimburses up to 48 hours per semester at Florida minimum wage plus $2/hour.
- Includes administrative and academic support: A dedicated TEACH counselor helps each scholar stay on track and ensures paperwork, planning, and progress go smoothly.
These benefits are designed to reduce the strain on your program while making it easier to retain and grow great educators.
Learn more details at teach-fl.org/frequently-asked-questions/
What’s Required From Directors?
As a sponsoring center, your role in the TEACH scholarship process is simple but important. The program is built on a shared-cost model, so you’ll contribute in two key ways:
- A portion of the educator’s tuition: Most TEACH models require the center to cover around 10% of tuition costs. The remaining amount is covered by TEACH and the scholar.
- Paid release time during training: Educators receiving a TEACH scholarship are expected to have time each week to study or complete coursework. As the sponsor, you’ll provide up to 3 hours of paid release time per week. TEACH reimburses your program for this time at a set hourly rate (Florida minimum wage + $2/hour), up to 48 hours per semester.
You’ll also need to approve the educator’s scholarship application and communicate with TEACH if staffing or program changes occur during the contract period.
Many directors find the investment well worth it. In addition to financial reimbursement, TEACH gives your staff a clear path to grow and encourages them to stay and apply their learning in your classrooms.
The Scholar’s Commitment and Support
Now let’s take a closer look at what the educator or staff member—referred to as the scholar—receives through TEACH Florida and the employer’s support, and what they agree to in return.
What the scholar receives:
- A funded pathway to a credential: TEACH covers most of the cost for tuition, books, and fees for programs like the FCCPC certification, CDA, or college-level coursework.
- A stipend each semester: Scholars receive $250–$300 to help with incidental costs like materials, technology, or transportation.
- Access to dedicated support: Each scholar is paired with a TEACH counselor who helps guide them through the process—from application to completion.
- Eligibility for bonus incentives (if applicable): Those enrolled in degree programs may also qualify for completion bonuses.
What the scholar commits to:
- Complete their coursework successfully: Scholars are expected to follow through with their training and meet all program requirements.
- Stay with their sponsoring employer: Most TEACH contracts include a one-year commitment to remain at their center after completing the credential. This built-in retention model supports both educator growth and program stability.
For many educators, TEACH offers a turning point—a chance to earn their credential without the usual financial stress, and with a clear path toward long-term growth in the field.
Partnering with CCEI to Earn the FCCPC
One of the most accessible ways to use TEACH Florida funding is through CCEI’s fully online FCCPC Certification program—a DCF-approved pathway that meets Florida Staff Credential requirements.
CCEI supports directors and educators at every step—from enrollment and scholarship application to credential completion. We help navigate the TEACH process, including paperwork, approval, and ensuring funding is secured to cover the cost of training.
When paired with TEACH Florida, our program offers a streamlined, affordable way to help your staff grow—and stay.