Logo representing Southeast Children's Fund located in Washington, D.C.

DC LEAD

Scholarship Eligibility Policy

To be eligible to receive a scholarship through the DC Leading Educators toward Advanced Degrees (DC LEAD) grant program administered by Southeast Children’s Fund (SCF), a child care educator must meet the following requirements: 

  1. Be employed in a child development facility licensed by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE):

a. Employment confirmed through staff record in Division of Early Learning Licensing Tool (DELLT).

b. Must be employed on the date the child care educator completes the application form.

Note: Staff in facilities not licensed by OSSE are not eligible. If more child care educators apply for scholarships than there are funds available to support, priority will be given to current lead teachers who do not meet the minimum education requirement.

  1. Have a high school diploma or GED.
  1. Complete an employer agreement form (if applicable).
  1. Commit to working at your current child care facility throughout the DC LEAD scholarship contract year.
  1. Be in a program working to meet the minimum education requirements or interested in enrolling in a program to meet the minimum education requirements for your current position or a position you are interested in obtaining.
  1. Submit a completed DC LEAD application form