Kentucky’s Early Childhood Development Scholarship helps people already working with young children move toward a credential, certificate, or degree in early-childhood education. The program links training with employment: applicants must work at least 20 hours weekly at a participating facility or as an associate teacher in a state-funded preschool. It is not a general scholarship for every student interested in teaching; the job relationship and approved training plan are central to eligibility.
KHEAA also requires Kentucky residency, citizenship or an eligible immigration status, satisfactory academic progress, and enrollment at a participating institution. The student must pursue an approved pathway, such as the Child Development Associate credential, an associate or bachelor’s degree in early-childhood education, an authorized graduate route, or the state director certificate. Students eligible for certain Head Start, public-preschool, or First Steps training funds may be excluded.
For 2026–27, KHEAA lists a maximum of up to $7,089 per semester for tuition and fees, subject to actual eligible charges and program rules. The page directs applicants to submit the FAFSA and scholarship application through MyKHEAA. The service commitment depends on the credential earned, so students must read which job they must maintain after receiving funds. The published ceiling is not cash for transportation, child care, or personal expenses.
Before applying, ask your employer to confirm that the facility is registered as a participant and can verify your weekly hours. Check the MyKHEAA calendar, approved academic plan, and service obligation tied to your credential. If the employer offers workforce aid, ask how it coordinates. Keep copies of the FAFSA, certified hours, and each term’s award, and report job or enrollment changes promptly to avoid a hold or repayment demand.
Before applying, confirm the current cycle and deadline, participating institution, enrollment load, and required documents. Keep copies of the FAFSA or state form, transcripts, supporting records, and submission confirmation. Ask whether renewal is automatic, which expenses are covered, and how the award coordinates with other grants. Do not rely on funds until you receive an official award and written balance estimate.
Compare net cost and aid type: a grant, forgivable loan, and service scholarship work differently. Confirm dates and requirements directly with the administrator for the current cycle.
Read the program profile and federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Scholarships and Grants — Early Childhood Development — Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority.
Apply for Federal Student Aid — Federal Student Aid.
Kentucky Early Childhood Development Authority — Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Funding, eligibility, and dates can change by cycle. Confirm your circumstances with the administrator and financial-aid office before relying on an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Early Childhood Development Scholarship (ECD)
Kentucky’s Early Childhood Development Scholarship helps people already working with young children move toward a credential, certificate, or degree in early-childhood education. The program links training with employment: applicants must work at least 20 hours weekly at a participating facility or as an associate teacher in a state-funded preschool. It is not a general scholarship for every student interested in teaching; the job relationship and approved training plan are c
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Early Childhood Development Scholarship (ECD) ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Early Childhood Development Scholarship (ECD) ↗
Primary source
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.