A Bachelor’s Degree is usually earned at a four-year college or university. Articulation agreements with eleven four-year colleges and universities in Michigan allow providers working in the field of early childhood to transfer credits earned from a community college, and apply them toward a Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree scholarship pays for the majority of the cost towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education / Child Development. A travel stipend, paid release time, and bonus are awarded based on eligibility. Scholarship recipients must commit to remain in their sponsoring program or the field of early childhood education for one year following the completion of their contract. You may be eligible for the Bachelor’s Degree scholarship if you:

  • Work a minimum of 20 hours per week in a licensed center-based, family, or group home setting
  • Earn $19.60 or less per hour
  • Have been admitted to a participating college or university
  • Are eligible to receive Michigan in-state student tuition rate
  • Have a minimum of 55 credits completed that will articulate toward a Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education or child development, a ZN Endorsement (Early Childhood General and Special Education Birth-K), or a ZO Endorsement (Lower Elementary Education Pre-K to 3rd grade) only when combined with a ZN Endorsement. Click HERE for a list of statewide colleges and universities offering early childhood general and special education (birth-K) endorsement.
  • Provide evidence that you have applied for financial aid

MI-YDA Scholarship


The Michigan Youth Development Associate Credential supports quality programs for school-age youth by providing standards for training and evaluation. The Credential program represents the combined efforts of representatives from school-age and youth groups across Michigan to define competencies for youth development professionals in our state.

The Michigan Youth Development Associate Credential is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. The credential must be renewed within 60 days of the initial expiration date, and every 3 years thereafter. The date of issuance and the date of expiration are printed on the credential.

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Michigan can provide financial support for eligible applicants to receive a reimbursement of 85% of the MI-YDA Credential Fee ($299


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MI-YDA Credential Eligibility Requirements


The applicant must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

  • Must be age 18 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent; OR
  • Must be enrolled as a junior or senior in a high school Career and Technical Education program in the Education & Training Career Cluster1.
  • Provide documentation of current first aid and Adult/Child CPR certification and blood-borne pathogen training (may not be included in the 120 hours of training required below).
  • Three hours of program observation must be completed and documented. The three hours must be completed in one of the following ways:
    • A single setting for three continuous hours.
    • Two settings of one and a half hours each either at the same program or at two different programs.
    • Three settings of one hour each either at the same program or at up to three different programs.
  • Complete and document 120 hours of training (within the past five years). At least ten hours of training must be in each of the ten content areas. You can have MORE than ten hours of training for each content area, but not less.
    • Content Area 1 – Child/Youth Growth and Development
    • Content Area 2 – Learning Environments and Curriculum
    • Content Area 3 – Child/Youth Observation and Assessment
    • Content Area 4 – Relationships Interactions with Children and Youth
    • Content Area 5 – Youth Engagement, Voice and Choice
    • Content Area 6 – Equity and Inclusion
    • Content Area 7 – Family, School, and Community Relationships
    • Content Area 8 – Safety and Wellness
    • Content Area 9 – Program Planning and Development
    • Content Area 10 – Professional Development and Leadership
  • Note: A maximum of 12 hours of training based on the Core Competencies that is conducted during staff meetings may be used.
  • Complete 480 hours of work/volunteer experience with youth in out-of-school time programs within the past five years.
  • Provide documentation of membership in the Michigan After-School Partnership (MASP) or the National AfterSchool Association (NAA).

Additional T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Eligibility Requirements


  • Must be working a minimum of 20 hours per week (can be averaged through the calendar year) in a licensed program
  • Must not earn more than $19.60/hour
  • Must submit receipt of payment for MI-YDA credential for reimbursement of 85% of credential fee