Childcare Teacher Scholarships | Montgomery College, Maryland

Invest in Your Future. Get the Support You Deserve.

Montgomery College is committed to strengthening the early childhood education workforce by making college affordable and accessible. If you’re preparing for—or advancing in—a career working with young children, these scholarship and grant opportunities can help you move forward with confidence.

Montgomery College Foundation Scholarships

The Montgomery College Foundation offers more than 300 scholarships made possible by the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and community members. These awards help reduce the cost of tuition so you can stay focused on your goals.

Eligibility Highlights

Minimum 2.5 GPA
Enroll in at least six credits
U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

Application Deadlines

June 30 – Fall semester
December 31 – Spring semester

Admitted students can apply for all MC Foundation scholarships with one online application through AcademicWorks new window. The system automatically matches you with scholarships based on your background, program, and goals—making the process simple and efficient.

Early Care and Education Initiative (ECEI) Pathway Scholarship

The Early Care and Education Initiative (ECEI) is a partnership among Montgomery County, Montgomery College, and Montgomery County Public Schools. This program provides tuition scholarships to support early childhood professionals as they complete certificates or degrees in early childhood education.

ECEI is designed to help you grow professionally while continuing to serve children and families in Montgomery County.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Work 20 hours or more per week in center-based or family child care located in Montgomery County
Be pursuing one of the following:
- 45-hour Infant/Toddler Certificate
- Child Development Associate (CDA)
- One-Year Early Childhood Education Certificate
- AAS or AAT in Early Childhood Education
Hold an active MSDE Child Care Credential
Submit employment verification each semester
Renew eligibility annually through the application process

Program Benefits

ECEI Pathway Scholarship recipients receive:

Individualized academic advising from Montgomery College early childhood faculty
One-on-one application support from the ECEI Program Coordinator
Direct tuition payment to Montgomery College for:
- MSDE-approved 45-hour Infant/Toddler Certificate courses
- Courses leading to the CDA (noncredit)
- Courses leading to the One-Year Certificate, AAS, or AAT in Early Childhood Education
The ability to apply year-round, including winter and summer semesters

For more information or to apply (PDF, ) , email ECE.Pathway@montgomerycollege.edu.
Questions may also be directed to Dr. Ladan Rahnema at (240) 567-4062.

Scholarship funding is contingent on approval and availability through the Montgomery County Early Care and Education Initiative.

Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund (CCCPDF) Grant

The Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund (CCCPDF) new window is a federal grant administered by the Maryland State Department of Education and awarded to Montgomery College. It is designed to cover tuition, books, and fees for degree-seeking child care professionals.

Eligible Majors

Early Childhood Development AAS
Early Childhood Education AAT
Elementary Education / Special Education AAT

Requirements

Applicants must:

Participate in the Maryland Credentialing Program (Level 2 or higher)
Work at least 10 hours per week in a licensed child care center or as a registered family child care provider
Have at least one year of documented experience in an approved setting
Be admitted to Montgomery College and meet entrance requirements
Maintain employment while participating in the program
Maintain a 2.50 cumulative GPA (continuation applicants)
Complete at least two courses per year
Agree to complete a Maryland service commitment of at least 10 hours per week after degree completion

Application Deadlines

March 1 – First-time applicants
June 30 – Continuation applicants

Students must apply annually. Additional information is available in the:

CCCPDF Application (PDF, )
CCCPDF Application Checklist (PDF, )

All interested students should contact the Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund Coordinator, Professor Chrissy Shawver, for guidance and next steps.

Maryland Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG)

The Maryland Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG) new window supports students preparing for careers in high-need fields—including select areas of education.

Eligible early childhood–related awards include:

Hattie N. Harrison Memorial Scholarship new window (Child Development or Early Childhood Education)
Sharon Christa McAuliffe Scholarship new window (Education; does not include elementary education as a critical area)

Recipients must:

Become certified teachers in Maryland in the approved certification area
Be employed as full-time classroom teachers in Maryland public or private elementary or secondary schools

Build Your Career—With Support at Every Step

At Montgomery College, you’ll find more than funding—you’ll find guidance, flexibility, and a community invested in your success. These scholarship and grant opportunities are designed to help you advance your education, strengthen your career, and make a lasting impact in early childhood education.

Exceptional Education. Extraordinary Outcomes.