Recruiting and retaining highly qualified early childhood educators is paramount in supporting families and our economy. The foundation of a superior education lies in the hands of seasoned, expert teachers. Through the Initiatives for Quality program, we strive to directly impact high turnover rates seen in the early education workforce as well as to provide a means for educators and directors to further their education in early childhood.

Initiatives for Quality is composed of two parts: one program, Professional Development Supplement, is designed to ensure high quality education by providing education-based salary supplements for licensed child care providers who complete early childhood classes at a college level and remain in the child care profession in Person County. The second program, Higher Education Grant, is designed to support higher educational attainment for educators with grants for successful completion of higher level course-work towards a degree in the early childhood education field.

Those considering applying are encouraged to obtain an appointment with our Program Specialist to discuss how Person County Partnership for Children may support you in your professional advancement in Early Care & Education. Topics commonly addressed are identifying career and education goals, establishing a clear path to achieve goals, navigating the higher education system, addressing challenges and finding appropriate support or solutions.

Professional Development Supplement

Supplements will be offered twice per calendar year based on Early Education Certification level and may range between $300-$900 dependent upon certification level. Child care providers applying for a Professional Development Supplement must meet ALL of the following at minimum:

1. Be employed in a Division of Child Development & Early Education (DCDEE) regulated facility in Person County which serves children between the ages of birth to 5 years providing at minimum 20 hours of labor each week.
2. Child care provider must maintain employment in the same child care facility or Pre-K site for at least 6 months prior to when the grant is awarded in each fiscal year.
3. Work in a capacity of director or direct teaching staff. This includes, but is not limited to, those individuals who spend a majority of their day working with children (e.g. lead teachers, teacher assistants, directors, and/or family child care home providers).
4. Applicant must not earn more than $19.00 per hour.
5. Child Care Provider must have a minimum of a Level 4 Early Education Certification (EEC) determined by the North Carolina Institute Child Development Professional (NCICDP). For more information or to apply for your EEC, visit The North Carolina Institute for Child Development Professionals at https://ncicdp.org/eec/#apply.

Higher Education Grant         

Current rate for Higher Education Grant is $85 per credit hour with a maximum reimbursement of 6 credit hours per semester. A child care provider must meet ALL of the following at minimum to be eligible for a Higher Education Grant.

1. Be employed in a Division of Child Development & Early Education (DCDEE) regulated facility in Person County which serves children between the ages of birth to 5 years providing at minimum 20 hours of labor each week. Child care provider must maintain employment in the same child care facility or Pre-K site for at least 6 months prior to when the grant is awarded in each fiscal year.
2. Be employed in a capacity of director or direct teaching staff. This includes, but is not limited to, those individuals who spend a majority of their day working with children (e.g. lead teachers, teacher assistants, directors, and/or family child care home providers).
3. Applicant must have successfully completed course(s) with a “B-” or better in an approved college level course in a program leading to a degree in Early Childhood Education Field or Child Development at an accredited institution of higher education. For Family Child Care Homes/Owners/Center Director applicants only: applicant must be in a program leading to degree in Business Administration or related area.
4. The course must not have been previously awarded. Grades below a “B-”, withdrawals, and incomplete classes will not be considered.