Future Scholar Resources
We are so glad for your interest in Child Care Aware of Washington (CCA of WA) Scholarships! The CCA of WA Scholarships Team is dedicated to helping our awarded scholars become successful by providing financial assistance for education that enhances the skill level and expertise for those in the early learning community.
The information below will help you navigate your scholarship journey.
Getting Started
If you have not already done so, we recommend that you find an academic program that aligns with your lifestyle and goals. Approved academic programs can be found in the “Scholarships Guides” section below. Once you find an approved program, please reach out to your intended institution’s Early Childhood Education Advising Department for further guidance.
CCA of WA scholarships are separate from the Early Achiever’s Grant, and you can only use one of these funding sources at a time. Learn more about the Early Achiever’s Grant.
Scholarship Guides
This guide provides in-depth information surrounding CCA of WA Scholarships. This information includes an overview of the scholarships program, eligibility requirements, application process, awards, benefits, scholarship maintenance and what new scholars can expect. The purpose of this guide is to provide an understanding of how CCA of WA manages and administers the scholarship funding provided by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
This manual provides an understanding of how the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Scholarship Program supports the early learning workforce. The purpose of the guide is to summarize DCYF’s early learning scholarship program for contractors or others who are curious about its basic principles.
This guide outlines the educational programs, certificates, and credentials the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) recognizes. The information within this guide will also indicate if a program is eligible for DCYF scholarship funding.
Scholarships and Application Process
Bachelor of Arts Degree Pathways Scholarship
- BA Degree Completion Pathway – Those needing to complete their last two years of their BA or BAS degree.
- DTA/Pre-BA – Those who are 30 credits or less from completing their AA degree or Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) and intend to move directly into an approved BA or BAS Program.
- Montessori Credential Pathway – Those who are pursuing an accredited Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) academy in WA State to receive their credential.
Application Process
Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will be awarded a scholarship. Scholarships are not awarded until all required documentation has been submitted and you have signed a scholarship contract. If you are awarded a scholarship, you must notify us immediately if any of your application information changes. The application steps are:
- Submit the application
- Your Authorized Facility Representative (AFR) needs to fill out the verification form before your application can be reviewed.
- Application is reviewed by the Scholarships Team
- If it is determined that you are eligible to move forward to the next stage of the application process, you will receive an email requesting to send in your required verifying documents.
- When all required documentation is submitted and reviewed and your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive a contract to sign, and it will go to your AFR for their signature. Once all required signatures are completed and processed by our Scholarships Team, you will then become a scholarship recipient and eligible for funding.
This is a scholarship of last dollar. If you are awarded a scholarship your funding will be applied after all grants, gift aid, scholarships of first dollar but before loans. Please reach out to your academic institution to ensure you understand how this scholarship works with other funding sources.
Pierce County Human Services (PCHS) Scholarship
- For those who live OR work in Pierce County.
- For those pursuing an approved early learning certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree program at a Washington State College or University.
Application Process
Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will be awarded a scholarship. Scholarships are not awarded until all required documentation has been submitted and you have signed a scholarship contract. The application steps are:
- Submit the application
- Application is reviewed by the Scholarships Team
- If it is determined that you are eligible to move forward to the next stage of the application process, you will receive an email requesting to send in your required verifying documents.
- When all required documentation is submitted and reviewed and your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive a contract to sign which will be processed by our Scholarships Team. Then, you will become a scholarship recipient and eligible for funding!
Coaching Certificate Scholarship
- For Early Achievers and ECEAP coaches, and qualifying staff pursuing the University of Washington’s Certificate in Practice-Based Coaching Program.
