Child Care (CCS)
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Wisconsin Scholarship and Bonus Program
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This page has been created in response to requests for more information about how the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN Scholarship Program works and how to respond to scholarship recipients questions about the process. Whenever possible, please call WECA to directly speak with the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Counselors to get the most current and accurate information. Below are the most frequently asked questions by recipients and others to provide some basic information. We look forward to your feedback to continue to provide the best possible service to scholarship recipients and other interested parties.
What is the difference in the roles played by T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN, The Registry and the schools providing the coursework?
This can be very confusing to scholarship recipients. The T.E.A.C.H. counseling staff generally explains it to recipients in the following way:
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN is the scholarship program that pays for expenses related to the completion of an educational path. T.E.A.C.H. also provides career, academic and/or personal counseling services to recipients as needed. The school is the institution that provides the coursework and awards credits and associate or bachelor's degrees. Most schools also provide career, academic and/or personal counseling. The Registry is the agency that awards the Infant/Toddler and Administrator's credentials based on credits obtained from the schools and a commission review process. The Registry also awards professional development certificates based on a career recognition system. Each agency has its own procedures for application, billing, information distribution, etc. All agencies work together via the T.E.A.C.H. Steering Committee and other venues to share information and provide the best service possible.
Who should I contact when I have questions?
It depends on the type of question. Because the above-mentioned agencies work together, answers might be obtained from more than one source. In general, here are some starting points:
The
Registry:
Questions regarding portfolio, commission process and dates, The
Registry applications, course curriculum approval for the credentials,
approval of coursework previously taken, annual faculty training,
curriculum updates, etc. should be directed to The Registry at
608-222-1123.
Educational Institution:
Questions regarding courses counting toward a degree, additional
financial aid, holds on records, incompletes, or acquiring grade reports
or transcripts should be directed to the school. A local phone book
should have a general information number to start and perhaps will even
list department numbers.
Questions regarding course information (dates, times, etc), course enrollment, billing issues, withdrawing from a course, and failed classes have implications for both the school and for T.E.A.C.H. and the recipient will need to have communication with both agencies.
What is the scholarship process like for a recipient?
The process generally begins with the individual hearing about the program at a conference presentation or other source. The interested parties are encouraged to make initial inquiries to WECA where information is given over the phone and mailed along with applications. Once a completed application is received, it is reviewed by a scholarship counselor to determine eligibility. The individual is called and information is verified over the phone, at which time the individual is told whether or not she/he is eligible. Most applicants are eligible and the counselor reviews the terms of the scholarship contract, helps the recipient choose appropriate coursework, assists in navigating The Registry and school systems, reviews the remaining process and answers questions.
Note: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN is the only agency authorized to decide if coursework qualifies for reimbursement. The Registry determines if coursework taken previously meets the requirements for the Infant Toddler and Administrator's Credentials.
Upon receipt of the signed contract, reimbursements and direct billings can be authorized. Recipients are expected to notify counselors of upcoming course enrollments, cancellations, and produce copies of official grade reports. Counselors will check in to answer questions about the reimbursement process, portfolio, balancing work, school and personal life, finding appropriate resources when needed, etc.
Sometimes counselors assist students who may be struggling with learning disabilities, failing a class, conflicts with instructors, personal crises, etc. In these situations students are always encouraged to talk to their instructor (and other appropriate resources as needed such as tutors, personal therapist, etc.) to try to resolve the issue. As a last resort, if a conflict with an instructor can't be resolved, the recipient is encouraged to contact the Dean or Dept. Chair to assist in resolving the issue.
As recipients draw near to completing their scholarship contract and educational requirements, files are assessed to be sure all details have been attended to, a final call is made to answer any remaining questions, discuss future educational plans (possible next scholarship), etc. Once all grades (and verification of receipt of the Infant Toddler or Administrator's credential for those scholarship models) have been received, the recipient receives their bonus from T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN along with an evaluation of the program. A recipient may not apply for a second scholarship until the first has been completed.
What other resources are available to scholarship recipients?
Upon receipt of the contract, recipients receive a tip sheet that reviews the process and expectations. A T.E.A.C.H. newsletter has also been created to periodically update recipients and give additional needed reminders. A workshop has also been recently developed for those needing assistance in completing the Infant Toddler Credential Portfolio. These workshops may be requested for presentation regionally. Workshops on a variety of topics are also available at the WECA and Pathways to Professional Development Conferences as well as other statewide and regional events. Look for workshops on these topics:
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN
Scholarship Program
R.E.W.A.R.D.™ WISCONSIN Stipend Program
So I'm A Scholarship Recipient, Now What?
The Infant Toddler Professional Credential Portfolio and Commission
Process
Power and Privilege
Contact T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN for more information:
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood®
Wisconsin
WECA
744 Williamson St. Suite 200
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-240-9880, Ext. 7240
Toll-free: 800-783-9322, Ext. 7240
Email: TEACH@wecanaeyc.org
Updated June 16, 2008