Texas Early Childhood Scholarships
About Us
The Children’s Learning Institute (CLI) at UTHealth Houston offers Early Childhood Professional Development Scholarships to help Texas early childhood educators earn their credentials. The scholarships provide support for workforce retention, help programs meet Texas Rising Star requirements, and expand access to professional credentials across all 28 Texas Workforce Development areas. The scholarships apply to Texas early childhood educators who are continuing their education or pursuing certification for the following:
- Child Development Associate® (CDA) initial and renewal fees
- Associate’s degree tuition fees
- Bachelor’s degree tuition fees
- Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) tuition and fees
Learn more about our current and upcoming scholarship opportunities and how you can apply.
Now accepting applications!
- Authorized to work in the U.S. without restrictions
- Texas Resident
- Have a high school diploma, high school diploma equivalent, or high school certificate of coursework completion
- Employed by an Early Learning Program for at least 30 (thirty) hours per week
- Earn twenty dollars ($20.00) or less per hour
- Completed TECPDS profile with employment and wage verification
SCHOLARSHIPS
CDA Scholarships
This scholarship will cover Application Credential Fees paid to the CDA Council for teachers earning a Child Development Associate® credential.
- CDA® Initial Application Fee: $525 paid directly to the CDA Council
- Renewal Application Fee: $250 paid directly to the CDA Council
Requirements
Applicants who are interested in the CDA Credential Fees scholarships must:
- Provide proof of “Ready to Pay” confirmation.
- Have met ALL prerequisite requirements to apply for or renew the CDA Credential.
- Read the “Before you Apply” resource to prepare you for this application.
RAP Scholarships
Early Childhood Educator Registered Apprenticeship Program trainees who are active and currently enrolled in a RAP program are eligible for this scholarship.
- RAP Participant Scholarship:
- Up to $1,000 for RAP tuition and fees, paid directly to the program,
- $1,000 completion stipend upon RAP program completion, paid directly to the participant.
- RAP Mentor Stipend:
- Up to $500 for RAP Mentors who support students in our RAP Scholarship program
Requirements
Scholarship funding is available to approved Early Childhood operating RAP Programs.
Become a RAP Scholarship Partner
If you are an Early Childhood Registered Apprenticeship Program, please review the eligibility criteria and reach out to us at: [email protected]
Eligibility Criteria:
- Department of Labor Certificate
- DOL #
- Occupation – Early Childhood Education (ECE)
- Apprentice Employment: Licensed Child Care Center
RESOURCES
Helpful resources are available to support CDA® and Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) applicants throughout the scholarship process. Explore the links below for guidance on eligibility, application requirements, credentialing, and program participation. These tools can help you navigate each step and make the most of your scholarship opportunity.
CDA Application Resources
COMING SOON
- CDA Training at IHE scholarships (opens November 2, 2026)
- Associate degree scholarships (opens November 2, 2026)
- Bachelor’s degree scholarships (opens March 2, 2027)
- High School CTE Prep Program scholarships (opens March 2, 2027)
HELP CENTER
Access guidance on the scholarship process, application preparation, and additional resources. Contact us at [email protected] or submit an interest form for questions or assistance.
Funding Acknowledgement
The Early Childhood Professional Development Scholarships (ECPDS) program is supported by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial award totaling $3,500,000 with 100 percent funded by ACF/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official view of, nor an endorsement, by ACF/HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit the ACF website, Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
Scholarships awarded by Children’s Learning Institute at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health Houston) are made possible by, and in accordance with, a grant award from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) under the ECPDS program.