Financial support for early learning professionals

Children benefit from having teachers and family child care providers who are committed to the field and who enhance their understanding of child growth and development.

Washington Scholarships for Child Care Professionals provides funding for tuition, fees, books, travel stipends and release time for individuals who are working toward a child development associate, early childhood education (ECE) certificate, or ECE associate's degree at a Washington state community or technical college.

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) is one of several groups that support Washington Scholarships for Child Care Professionals. Learn more from the Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Network.

STARS scholarships are administered in a partnership between DEL and
the Washington Association for the Education of Young Children (WAEYC). Eligible individuals may receive a one-time award of $150 toward basic (20-hour) STARS training, and up to $100 each year toward continuing education (annual requirement of 10 hours).

Child care providers who participate in Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) receive support and incentives to improve the quality of care they offer children and families. Read more about QRIS.