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Higher Education Opportunities

The Office of Child Care (OCC) and the Utah Registry or Professional Development (URPD) support higher education programs and provide resources to assist youth and early learning professionals with earning college credits and pursuing a degree in the field.

For a limited time only, OCC is offering two tuition reimbursement college scholarships. The Early Education Payback Program provides reimbursement of up to $3,500 for students who are majoring in the early childhood field and working in an eligible child care program. The College Course Scholarship is for students who are not majoring in the field but are taking a Career Ladder-approved college course and working at an eligible program. More information can be found on the Scholarships and Financial Support page. Please note that both college scholarships have a final deadline of May 31, 2024.

Early EdU Online College Courses

In partnership with the Utah Early EdU Collaboration, OCC offers online college-level courses to early childhood professionals. Each three-credit course costs participants less than $75.

• Early EdU Program Information
• Early EdU Rubric Explanation

Questions about Early EdU? Please e-mail earlyedu@utah.gov

T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Program

OCC supports Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) Early Childhood, a scholarship program offered through the Utah Association for the Education of Young Children (UAEYC). The program provides higher education scholarships for teachers and administrators who have a desire to obtain an Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree.

For more information, visit the website for T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Utah or email teach@uaeyc.org.

The Career Ladder System and Higher Education

College credits may be used to fulfill requirements for many of the levels on the Career Ladder. Requirements for Levels 9-12 include completing college degrees. Learn more on the Career Ladder System page.

Professionals may upload documentation of college credits and degrees to their URPD transcript within the Care About Childcare website in order to receive Career Ladder credit.

To learn more about how to upload college credits or degrees to your Care About Childcare transcript, access the Transcript How To Guide.

Submit College Credits or Degree

Early Childhood Degree Programs in Utah

Many colleges and universities across the state offer degrees related to early childhood education with courses offered online and in person.

• Utah Early Childhood Degree Program Information

Additionally, institutions of higher education across the country offer a variety of online degree programs in early childhood education (ECE). The links below are resources from outside entities that may provide helpful information regarding online degree program options.

• Guide to Online Schools - ECE Degrees
• Best College Reviews - 20 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in ECE

Did you know your CDA Credential could count as credits towards an early childhood degree?

Find out more about CDA Articulation.

Contact Us

For questions, please contact your regional Care About Childcare agency or the Utah Registry for Professional Development.