The Lead.
Marion Technical College is proud to announce the launch of its new Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Program, designed to prepare the next generation of educators for impactful careers in childcare and early learning. In a strategic move to support aspiring educators, MTC has partnered with TEACH Early Childhood® Ohio, a scholarship program administered by the Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association (OCCRRA), to make this career path more accessible and affordable.
The goal is to take people working at child care centers and help them advance their skills and their careers. The TEACH grant is a partnership between TEACH, the student, and their employer. TEACH covers 90% of tuition and large parts of books and fees.
“This is a ‘learn while you earn’ model,” said Chris Angellatta, Chief Executive Officer at OCCRRA. “Early childhood teachers are the workforce behind the workforce. Having quality, reliable, abundant teachers benefits working parents, children, and our community. We saw during the COVID-19 pandemic how critical these jobs are.”
The Early Childhood Education program at MTC offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the knowledge and skills to support children’s development across physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains. Graduates will be prepared to earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and have the opportunity to transfer to four-year institutions to pursue a K-5 teaching license.
“This program is a game-changer for our region,” said Anna Kelley, director of Early Childhood Education at Marion Technical College. “With the support of TEACH scholarships, we’re removing financial barriers and opening doors for passionate individuals to become qualified early childhood educators.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Marion Technical College to expand access to early childhood education. Through the TEACH Early Childhood® Ohio Scholarship Program, we support over 1,000 educators each year. This partnership helps build a stronger, more skilled workforce and ensures that Ohio’s youngest learners receive the care and education they deserve,” Angellatta added.
High Demand for Teachers
“We are in desperate need of new teachers,” said Dr. Shelly Dason, director of student services at Pleasant Local Schools. “It’s exciting to be able to grow our own teachers through on-site classes at Pleasant. The TEACH grant can help them continue to advance their education and their skills.”
“Having quality child care available and more educated teachers benefits our children, our parents, and our businesses,” said Heidi Jones, president of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce.
TEACH Scholarship Opens Door to Multiple Degrees
The TEACH scholarship can be used to help students earn multiple degrees, from the Child Development Associate credential, an associate of applied science in early childhood education, and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
“TEACH can be used at every level multiple times to hit their educational goals,” Kelley said. “So many of our students start with a high school diploma. This gives them many ways to advance their careers.”
Key Features of the program include:
- Pathway to earn the nationally recognized CDA credential
- Transfer options to pursue a K-5 teaching license
- Hands-on learning experiences and inclusive curriculum design for the youngest learners to meet children where they are
- Strong job outlook with over 700 positions in the local region
- Average starting salary of $33,000, with potential to earn $50,000–$65,000 with a bachelor’s degree
Enrollment is now open. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit mtc.edu/earlychildhood or contact the admissions office at (740) 389-4636 for more information.
For details on TEACH Early Childhood® Ohio Scholarships, visit occrra.org/workforce-development.
About Marion Technical College
Founded in 1970, Marion Technical College offers over 50 associate degree and certificate programs, empowering students to achieve their educational and career goals through affordable, high-quality education.
About TEACH Early Childhood® Ohio
Administered by OCCRRA, the TEACH program supports the professional development of early childhood educators across Ohio by providing scholarships and resources to enhance workforce quality and retention.
