Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

May 14, 2026

36 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Smart Start Professional Development Incentives (PDI)

Status: Applications open for 2025-2026 program year

Geographic Scope: Caswell County, North Carolina

Focus Areas: Early childhood professional development, teacher compensation support, degree completion, reducing turnover in early childhood workforce

Overview: The Smart Start Professional Development Incentives program provides financial support to early childhood professionals based on their education and experience working with young children. The program aims to reduce turnover, increase compensation, and support degree completion for Caswell County's early childhood professionals.

Eligibility:

  • Working in a Caswell County, Division of Child Development and Early Education regulated facility

  • Employed as:

  • - Lead teacher
    - Teacher assistant
    - Director
    - Family child care home provider
  • Early Educator Certification (EEC) required (processed through outside agency)

  • Must have or be working toward an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (must successfully complete one college course leading to this degree if you don't already have the degree)
  • Program Goals:

  • Reduce turnover among early childhood educators

  • Increase compensation for qualified professionals

  • Support degree completion in early childhood education
  • Important Notes:

  • Early Educator Certification (EEC) is required and is processed through an outside agency; early application recommended (January or February)

  • If seeking higher stars outside of reassessment cycle, applicants must apply for new license within six months of receiving services

  • First-time applicants are encouraged to contact CCPFC for guidance
  • Contact Information:

  • Caswell County Partnership for Children

  • Phone: 336-694-1538

  • Email: ccp4child@esinc.net

  • Address: 1084 NC Hwy 86 North, Yanceyville, NC 27379
  • How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Self-Assessment: Complete a self-assessment form to determine eligibility at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdopRU6Sm1lcDtb4RTOrHVKteyyY81P56X0BUZkl7nghPzL3A/viewform?usp=header

    2. Obtain Early Educator Certification (EEC): If you don't already have EEC, apply early (January or February recommended) as it is processed through an outside agency

    3. Degree Requirement: If you don't already have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, you must successfully complete one college course leading to this degree

    4. Complete Application: Access the application, guidelines, and FAQ on the Professional Development Incentives page at https://www.caswellchildren.org/professional-development-incentives

    5. Submit Application: Submit completed application by 5:00 pm on May 14, 2026

      Recommended Actions for First-Time Applicants

    • Contact CCPFC to help guide you through the process and answer questions
    • Phone: 336-694-1538
    • Email: ccp4child@esinc.net

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    teacher-developmentchild-careprofessional-development

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Ready to apply for Smart Start Professional Development Incentives (PDI)?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.