WARREN, Pa – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is hosting virtual information sessions for individuals interested in pursuing or continuing their education in early childhood education. These sessions will highlight funding opportunities that may help eligible students reduce the cost of tuition, books, and other education-related expenses, while working toward a degree or credential. 

Whether a prospect is just getting started, continuing a program, or is looking for ways to move forward in their education career, these sessions are designed to help eligible and interested early education professionals who work in licensed Pennsylvania childcare facilities understand what funding may be available and how to take the next step. Funding opportunities can make it easier to stay on track, continue education, and build a stronger future in the childcare and/or early childhood education industries. 

NPRC’s Degrees and Certificates

The College offers two degrees in education, including an Associate of Arts in Education Studies and an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education. Each degree is 60 credits, and the institution does accept transfer credits and award credit for prior learning through industry-recognized training and credentials to aid students in accomplishing their degrees. The College also offers a Pennsylvania Childcare Directors Credential, designed as a standard to measure and validate the abilities and competencies of directors and administrators to manage high-quality early childhood and school-age programs. 
 
NWPDO Funding Info Sessions

Join NPRC and the Northwest Professional Development Organization (NWPDO) to learn about funding that may cover tuition and books for eligible students pursuing early childhood education coursework. Eligible students may receive funding for up to six credits per term through degree completion. This opportunity is designed to support early childhood professionals as they continue building skills, earning valuable credentials, and reducing financial barriers along the way. 

This funding opportunity is supported by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) of Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) and Pennsylvania’s Department of Education (PDE). For more information, visit dhs.pa.gov and education.pa.gov. 
 
The two sessions are slated to take place on Tuesday, July 7 and Tuesday, August 11 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

TEACH Scholarship Info Session 

Join representatives from NPRC and the Pennsylvania Child Care Association for an informational session about the TEACH Early Childhood® Pennsylvania Scholarship Program. 

The TEACH scholarship program supports early childhood professionals by helping make college more affordable, while also providing guidance and support throughout the process. The program is a shared investment between the scholarship recipient, their employer, and TEACH funders. 
 
TEACH Pennsylvania is supported by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) of Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) and Pennsylvania’s Department of Education (PDE). 

The session is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

Requirements and Reimbursements 

To earn tuition assistance and reimbursements through the NWPDO or TEACH, several requirements and stipulations apply.  

Students exploring the NWPDO pathway at NPRC must: 

• Pursue an AA in Education Studies or an AAS in early childhood education 

• Work a minimum of 25 hours per week in licensed childcare facilities in Pennsylvania in Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, or Warren Counties. 

• Make less than $21.63 per hour as a provider or $25.00 per hour as a director. 

• Receive funding for no more than six credits per term. 

Students exploring the TEACH pathway at NPRC must: 

• Pursue an AA in Education Studies or an AAS in early childhood education 

• Work an average of 25 hours per week in licensed childcare facilities in Pennsylvania. 

• Make less than $21.63 per hour as a provider or $25.00 per hour as a director. 

• Receive funding for no more than six credits for their first term and no more than 12 credits for the following terms. 

• Pay for textbooks and materials and request reimbursement for those costs. 

Registration and Additional Information 
 
Register for an upcoming virtual information session by heading here to learn which opportunity may be the right fit for you. For concerns and questions, contact NPRC’s Education Program Coordinator Jodi Guisto at educationprograms@nprc.edu or by phone at 814-598-4480.