PASSHE PDO Funding
This funding option is for students who would like to earn their CDA via coursework, ECE Infant to Grade 4 Certificate or Associate’s Degree.
The ECE PDO at PASSHE is working to remove barriers that often get in the way of early childcare providers’ ability to advance their education and professional development. By sponsoring no-cost tuition and the cost of course materials, computers, WiFi, and other technology supports to qualifying applicants, many prohibitive barriers are removed. Additionally, 24/7 tutoring and multilingual supports are available. Further, PDO Success Coaches will offer assistance such as time management guidance to students to help them balance home, work, and school obligations. Removing these barriers to education will lead to greater numbers of individuals who will earn a Child Development Associate certificate (CDA) and Associate’s degree in early childhood education that prepare them for good, in-demand jobs.
Application Information
To apply, go to the PASSHE PDO website and apply for tuition assistance; apply to a partner school program; register for classes.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a Pennsylvania resident and work in southwest, central, or northeast regions (students who reside in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia counties, please see the PHMC ECE PDO information) and (students who reside in the northwest part of the state, please visit NW ECE PDO information).
- 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 a CDA credential or an AAS ECE degree
- GPA and course grades meet transfer requirements; a watch plan is developed for participants not meeting transfer requirements
- Sign a Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education Commitment Form
First, apply to PASSHE for tuition assistance here
Next, complete the NCC student survey
Third, student applicants will be contacted by a PASSHE ECE Professional Development Coordinator. Consider them as your personal navigator who will help to match you with a PDO education partner that meets your needs and future vision.
Last, your NCC ECE Professional Development Coordinator will help you to register for classes at NCC. Many schools follow a semester schedule (so do not delay!), and some make summer courses available. The PDO partnership enables students to transfer credit-bearing courses from one education partner to another, thus offering tremendous flexibility!
Once you receive eligibility status, contact with the email to Francesca Harris at fharris@northampton.edu
For more information from PASSHE PDO visit: ecepdo.org/about-us/
