Early childhood educators are an essential element of Virginia’s workforce and economy. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) values the efforts of early childhood professionals to increase their knowledge and skills in early care and education. To support increased education, there are two programs that can provide funding to pay for college-level courses and related expenses at either a community college or four-year college/university in Virginia. 

Download the Virginia Child Care Scholarships Flyer in English/Spanish (PDF).

Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program 

The Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program (VCCPSP) is available for current and potential child care educators for coursework that will help improve the quality of early care and education for children and families. VCCPSP scholarships are available for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.  

The VCCPSP will pay for either eight community college courses related to early care and education or a maximum lifetime award amount of $4,020 (effective March 2022 for students new to the scholarship program), whichever occurs first. Once enrolled in VCCPSP, the maximum lifetime award will not change.  

The VCCPSP pays for tuition and technology fees at a Virginia community college for up to two approved courses per semester (fall, spring, summer) when eligibility criteria are met. Scholarships of up to $400 per course are available for students attending a four-year college or university in Virginia if courses are comparable to approved community college courses.  

Applicants need to apply for each semester they plan to attend college. Application periods may close early if funds have been expended for an academic semester. 

Annual Application Periods 

Fall Semester: June 15 – open for approximately 5 weeks

Spring Semester: October 15 – open for approximately 6 weeks

Summer Semester: March 15 – open for approximately 5 weeks

Learn more about the Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program at vaccscholarship.com or email us at: vaccscholarship@doe.virginia.gov. 

Project Pathfinders Funding Program 

Project Pathfinders funding is available to early childhood professionals who are currently employed and working with children ages infant through pre-K and want to complete a certificate or degree in early childhood development at a Virginia community college. Employment can be in a family day home, a child care center, pre-K in a public school, or a faith-based preschool/child care program. This funding is also available for those who have earned a transferable Early Childhood Associate Degree at a Virginia community college and want to pursue an Early Childhood Bachelor’s degree at an approved four-year college or university in Virginia.  

Project Pathfinders can pay for tuition and fees for up to two courses per semester as well as for textbooks that are required for approved courses. Funding is available for the fall, spring, and summer semesters and applicants need to apply for each semester they plan to attend college. Applicants are required to apply for the VCCPSP prior to submitting a Project Pathfinders application. 

Annual Application Periods 

Fall Semester:  June 15 – open for approximately 6 weeks 

Spring Semester:   October 15 – open for approximately 6 weeks 

Summer Semester:  March 15 – open for approximately 6 weeks 

Learn more about the Project Pathfinders Funding Program at vecf.org (click on Funding Opportunities) or email us at: pathfinders@vecf.org