NWIR Funding
Northwest PDO funding is reserved for students who work in Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, and Warren counties in Pennsylvania and would like to earn their CDA credit coursework, and/or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
In partnership with the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, NW ECE PDO supports direct access for the ECE workforce to pursue career pathways that lead to degrees or credentials. By coordinating with Early Learning Resource Centers to improve the quality of ECE programs, we address the existing barriers to degree attainment. Participants can choose between online or blended options.
Application Information
NWIR is the PDO for Northwest Pennsylvania. If you have not already, please complete the workforce survey below and contact a workforce specialist at NW PDO.
ECE Professionals:
- Are you interested in furthering your education within the field of early childhood education?;
- Do you need support in finding and enrolling in coursework or degree programs?
Once NW PDO receives your application they will reach out.
Apply today for their Career Advising Services with one of their ECE/IHE Coordinators. For general questions, contact NWIR’s ECE Workforce Specialist Toll Free: 1.800.860.2281 or email them at info@nwpdo.org .
Once you receive eligibility status, contact with the email to Sharon Vietmeier at svietmeier@northampton.edu
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a Pennsylvania resident
- Participants must validate themselves on the PA PD Registry
- Be a current employee at a PA DHS-certified childcare program or a state-funded PA PKC program for a minimum of 3 months. If you are newly hired, you must demonstrate a 6-month employment history in childcare. Participants actively enrolled in PDO activities will not be impacted by change of employer if the new employer is a certified child care program or a state-funded PA PKC program.
- Work a minimum of 25 hours per week directly in a PA DHS-certified child care program, a state-funded PA PKC program, or a combination of both
- For child care directors/assistant directors, make no more than $30.00 per hour; for child care teachers, assistant teachers, and aides, make no more than $25.00 per hour.
- Be interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college toward an AA or a CDA credential
- GPA and course grades meet transfer requirements; a watch plan is developed for participants not meeting transfer requirements
To complete their application you will need your PA Registry ID Number and having your employer MPI number will expedite the application process. Please be sure to select Northampton Community College as the IHE partner
Want to apply to Northwest? Click Here
Next, complete the NCC student survey.
Once your application is submitted, an ECE PDO team member will reach out to you.
If you require assistance with completing this application or have any questions about eligibility, please don't hesitate to contact the NW PDO at 800.860.2281 or via email at info@nwpdo.org.
