Grow Your Career in Early Childhood Education

Want to make an impact in the lives of our littlest learners in NW Minnesota?

ICCC is looking for people that are interested in the field of Early Childhood Education.  Let us help you cover the costs of becoming a high quality educator for our youngest learners. 

Who Should Apply?

• Applicants must live or work in the following counties:
  
  
  • Roseau
  • Polk
  • Norman
  • Kittson
  • Pennington
  • Marshall
  • Red Lake
  • Clearwater
• High School Students (juniors or seniors) who would like to work on their Child Development Associate (CDA) so they can apply for their credential right after graduation.
• Adults that are not currently in the Early Childhood field, but would like to earn a credential in Early Childhood Education
• Adults that are already in the Early Childhood field but would like to earn the credentials needed to qualify for their position, or advance their career
• Preference will be given to those that are from populations such as minorities, have a disability, have low income, or are a non-typical early childhood worker.

How to Apply?

At the bottom of this page, download the Grow Early Childhood application, fill out and return to employmentstaff@intercountycc.org  OR  use this link to start your application online. 

FAQ:

• What if I finish my coursework, but don't complete the CDA credential (or degree)?
  
  • Participants will be awarded funds based on the chart below.  If you finish the coursework, you keep the funds and do not have to re-pay them, but will not be awarded the second amount of funds.
• Do I have to provide any documentation?
  • For each award level, you will have to provide your transcripts or a copy of the certification / degree to receive the funds.
• How do funds get paid?
  • Funds will be paid directly to you as a stipend.  You can use the funds to cover any expenses you have paid out of pocket or to cover the cost of being gone from work to get your work experience hours completed.  You will receive tax information at the end of the calendar year for these funds.
• Do I have to go to a specific school or program?
  • No.  You are welcome to choose your own program or school.  The funds can be used to pay for whatever expenses you incur - so select the program that best meets your needs, schedule, learning style, etc.  There is a list of possible schools below.
• How many people will receive funding?
  
  
  • There are a limited number of awards available and will be based on the programs in which the accepted participants are enrolled.  Apply now to secure your assistance.

 

Credential / Degree	When do I get the funds?	Total Financial Support
Child Development Associate (CDA)	$1,500 upon completion of coursework $2,500 upon completion of credential	$4,000
Early Childhood Diploma (1 year program)	$2,000 upon completion of half of the coursework $4,000 upon completion of the degree	$6,000
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (2 year program)	$3,000 upon completion of half of the coursework $5,000 upon completion of the degree	$8,000

 

RESOURCES

Want to know the benefits of getting a credential / degree?  What can I use the credential / degree to do in my career? 

Check out this publication from MN Department of Education and the Preschool Development Grant programs.  Download the PDF from the link.

Schools / Universities / Programs

Dakota County Technical College

• New A.A.S. that can explore more into business side along with early childhood classes
• Can use 15 flex credits to get a certificate in leadership program
• Need to provide current CDA certificate- strongly encourage to keep CDA while enrolled
• Early childhood classes are completely online, no set days/times but there are deadlines

 

Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Early Childhood Education Transfer Pathway A.S.

Contact:  Hope Doerner

office:  612-659-6048

Email: hope.doerner@minneapolis.edu

 

Northland Community and Technical College

Associate Degree

Certificate

• Online or In Person options
• In person courses are located in East Grand Forks, MN - within our service area

 

Northwest Technical College

Associate Degree

Certificate

• Northwest Tech courses are in person or online

 

 Rasmussen University

• Rasmussen offers special programming for high school students at significantly reduced costs
• Programs are fully online
• Offers a CDA track that can then be applied if you return to finish other coursework

 

Other Supports

Child Care Aware of MN Programs

• Resources below
• Trainings to meet CDA requirements or continue your education

Empower to Educate

• Personal support from a local Workforce Advisor
• Financial support
• Free training package
• Job skills training
• Help accessing & navigating technology
• Connecting to a school / program to grow your career
• Mentorship program

Apprenticeships

• Partner with employers for on-the-job training opportunities
• Must be receiving a credential

 TEACH Scholarships

• Must be working toward a credential
• Receive financial support
• Get support from a mentor
• Must partner with an employer

 REETAIN Bonuses

• Financial bonuses for center-based educators / family child care educators
• See the website for eligibility, application forms, and frequently asked questions

 

Child Care Wayfinder

• Have a Navigator work with you to start or grow your child care business
• Connect you to area resources

First Children's Finance

• Training and workshops
• Child Care Business Cohorts
• Business Consulting
• Financial Analysis
• Business Loans

Northwest Minnesota Foundation

 

• Training and development workshops for NW MN child care professionals
• Tools and resources for providers
• Guide to becoming a provider from MN Department of Human Services
• Business Loans - see the website for eligibility guidelines and terms