The Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organization (ECE PDO) is encouraging those seeking funded credit and credential coursework to apply for winter and spring coursework opportunities.

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The ECE PDO at the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) will connect those interested with partners offering a variety of funded credit and credential coursework through Child Development Associate (CDA), associates’ degree, or bachelor’s degree pathways.

Those working toward those degrees can find information about more than 20 programs in which they might be eligible for PDO funding. They can also learn how to apply to participate in a degree or credential program on the ECE PDO website.

The ECE PDO partners with regional institutions of higher education to meet the following goals:

• Increase overall BA, AA, and CDA completion rates in the ECE workforce
• Increase overall BA, AA, CDA participation rates for the ECE workforce
• Increase the number of teachers who transition to the next degree after graduation
• Address equity-based gaps in the credentialing system

There are numerous criteria for eligibility, including:

• Being a Pennsylvania resident
• Being a current employee at a certified child care program for three months or more or have history of employment for six months in child care
• Work a minimum of 25 hours per week in a certified child care program
• Making no more than $25 per hour as a child care director or $21.63 per hour as a child care teacher, assistant teacher, or aide
• Be interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college toward an AA or BA degree or CDA credential
• GPA and course grades meet transfer requirements
• Sign a Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education Commitment Form

For more information on how to apply, visit the ECE PDO’s website. An application is also available online.