CCKA Provider Scholarship Program

Purpose: Designed to reduce financial barriers for early childhood educators pursuing professional development. Supports the local child care workforce and ensures Crawford County children benefit from high-quality, well-trained providers.

Geographic Scope: Crawford County, Illinois

What the Program Provides:

• Financial support for early childhood coursework
• Funding assistance for textbooks and required materials
• Funds paid directly to the school
• Scholarship funds may be used toward Early Childhood Education classes

Target Audience

• Aspiring early childhood educators just starting their career
• Current early childhood educators looking to grow in the field

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet ALL of the following:

• Be a student at one of the four Crawford County high schools OR enrolled at Illinois Eastern Community College
• Be currently taking Early Childhood Education classes
• Be able to demonstrate financial need that creates a barrier to professional development

Important Notes

• Acceptance into the program does NOT guarantee full tuition coverage
• Any remaining balance is the student's responsibility
• Applicants may be placed on a waitlist if funding becomes available
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year
• Processing time: Approximately 30 days for application review

Contact

• Email: rshaner@crawfordcountyil.com

Application Process

1. Verify you meet all eligibility criteria
2. Submit application at any time (rolling basis)
3. Demonstrate financial need in application
4. Allow approximately 30 days for application review and processing
5. Receive notification of award or waitlist status

Application Timeline

• Accepting applications on a rolling basis throughout the year
• No specific deadline; apply anytime
• Processing time: Approximately 30 days from submission

Required Materials

• Evidence of enrollment in Early Childhood Education classes at Crawford County high schools or Illinois Eastern Community College
• Demonstration of financial need