There are several programs designed to assist and encourage early childhood professionals in Summit County to continue taking course work in early childhood and remain in the early childhood field.
Right Start Salary Supplement Program
Early childhood teachers and providers working in Summit County at least 20 hours per week and making less than $18/hour are eligible to apply for a Right Start Salary Supplement. Supplements are tied to a care takers education level and job title. To apply teachers must either already have a current Early Childhood Credential or submit documents verifying they are eligble for a credential (applicants will then be asked to apply for their credential). More details about the Right Start Salary Supplement Program can be found in the application packet.
2011 Right Start Salary Supplement application (English)
2011 Right Start Salary Supplement application (Spanish)
In January 2010 parent educators working with the Family & Intercultural Resource Center became eligble to apply for a Right Start Salary Supplement for Parent Educators. Supplements are tied to parent educators’ education levels. More details about the program can be found in the application packet.
2011 Right Start Salary Supplement for Parent Educators
Apple Tree Fund
Early childhood professionals working Summit County and working towards a credential, a certificate and/or a degree in Early Childhood Education may apply for an Apple Tree Fund scholarship. Applicants can apply for up to $200/course (maximum $400/semester). Please note application deadlines listed on the application.
2011 Apple Tree Fund (English)
Early Childhood Credential & Educational Stipend Program from the Office of Professional Development (OPD)
Professionals working in early childhood are encouraged to apply for their credential. The Colorado Office of Professional Development (OPD) manages a voluntary credential program. There is no cost to apply for your credential (although there is often a small fee for having official college transcripts sent to OPD). In Summit County participants enrolled in the Right Start Salary Supplement are required to apply for and maintain a current credential. For applications and more details about the credential please visit www.coloradoofficeofprofessionaldevelopment.org and click on Colorado Professional Credentials. You may also contact Katrina Boykin at 1-866-417-4041 or katrina.boykin@ccd.edu.
The OPD also cordinates the Child Care Worker Educational Stipend Program. This program is for professionals working the field of early childhood and advancing their credential level. For more information visit www.coloradoofficeofprofessionaldevelopment.org/ and click on Colorado Professional Credentials. You may also contact Cynthia Zimmerman at 303-861-1549 or cynthia.zimmerman@ccd.edu.
Early Childhood Professionals in Summit may also contact Elizabeth Lowe at 970-513-1170 x305 or elowe@earlychildhoodoptions.org. EC Professionals in Grand may contact Gina Ricketts at 970-725-3391.