Higher Education Tuition Assistance Fund is sponsored by Child Care Providers United (CCPU) Training Fund. This fund helps family child care providers advance their education by offering tuition support at any accredited California college or university.

Tuition Assistance — CCPU Training Fund Get up to $5,000 per year for school! The Higher Education Tuition Assistance Fund is a CCPU benefit that helps family child care providers like you advance your education — offering up to $5,000 per calendar year in tuition support at any accredited California college or university, through either direct sponsorship or reimbursement.

The fund covers a wide range of courses relevant to your work, including: Child Development and Early Childhood Education Family and Community Relationships Business Management and Accounting Already paid out of pocket? Reimbursement is available for eligible courses taken as far back as January 1, 2022 — so don't leave money on the table! We understand that prerequisite courses are just as important.

The Tuition Assistance benefit also covers accredited classes in English as a Second Language (ESL), GED preparation, and computer skills (such as basic computer use and software). In addition, you can receive up to $300 to help pay for course-related expenses. This includes things like placement or testing fees, translation of diplomas and transcripts, and required books or materials.

To qualify for these additional expenses, you’ll need documentation from the school—such as a syllabus or an official letter on school letterhead—that shows the materials or services are required for your course. The Higher Education Tuition Assistance Fund is here to support every part of your educational journey. Questions?

Email: PRC@ccpuca.

org 6 Steps to Obtaining Tuition Assistance Meet the Eligibility Criteria - Must be Licensed or licensed-exempt - Have cared for at least one subsidized child at any point within the past 12 months and be willing to offer care to subsidized children - Find classes in Early Childhood Education, Business Development, ESL, GED, Computer, or prerequisite requirements - The school you want to attend must be an accredited California-based higher education institution - You can use the California Community Colleges website to assist with locating a program near you!

Make sure the school is accredited and located in California! - Please make sure your program or certificate is coursework related to Early Childhood Education, Business Development, ESL, GED, Computer, or prerequisite requirements.

- You can apply to the institution via the college’s website or contact the college to get information on applying - Connect with your school’s Admissions Department and/or an Academic Counselor for support Apply for Tuition Assistance - Apply by filling out an application. You can apply in English . Or, you can apply in Spanish .

- Reimbursement is for out-of-pocket payments; Sponsorship goes directly to the school - Please ensure you submit the required documents which are also listed in the following section - The funds will be sent to your school or directly to you via bill. com or physical check. Now your fees are paid!

Reimbursement for tuition assistance ensures a hassle-free process whereby funds are paid directly to the family child care provider as a reimbursement. Reimbursements can be provided for coursework dating back to January 1st 2022 for a maximum amount of $5,000 per calendar year. Rest easy knowing that your educational journey is backed by this dedicated support.

Submitting appropriate documentation for sponsorship is straightforward and can include various proofs for a smooth and efficient process. Appropriate documentation for reimbursement can include, but is not limited to: Proof of course payment/cost of the course from institution Any other relevant/supporting documentation for course(s) taken at an accredited CA educational institution.

A document to verify you have cared for at least one subsidized child within the past 12 months. For example: attendance sheet, child care schedule, or payment summary from the organization managing the subsidy. Your course schedule per term OR unofficial transcript.

We need to verify course eligibility (course enrollment, course titles and course dates). A syllabus or another form of documentation for any course-related expenses you’ve paid for out of pocket.

At this time, there must be documentation for the institution that specifies the need for additional expenses (syllabus, letter from the school on school letterhead which details which course materials needed, etc.) Sponsorship is tuition assistance funds that will be paid directly to the educational institution offering the course(s) on behalf of the family child care provider.

Sponsorship is available for course work that occurs in 2023 and beyond. The maximum sponsorship amount is $5,000 per calendar year.

Appropriate documentation for sponsorship can include, but is not limited to: Student Account Statement or Student Bill Cashier’s office contact information A document to verify you have cared for at least one subsidized child within the past twelve months (for example: attendance sheet, child care schedule, or payment summary from the organization managing the subsidy). Your course schedule per term or unofficial transcript.

We need to verify course eligibility (course enrollment, course titles and course dates). * Please note, For Sponsorships, we will mail a tuition/fees check directly to your school on your behalf. Sponsorship payment can take thirty to forty-five business days after an application is approved.

We recommend you submit your Sponsorship application at least sixty days prior to your course payment due date. Many different types of courses can be covered. Course examples include: Child Development Foundations of Early Childhood Child Behavior, Family and Community Relationships, Business Development Courses, Business Management 101, Introduction to Accounting and Finance and Digital Marketing.

Accredited prerequisite education courses are also applicable such as: English as a Second Language, Computer courses (i.e. classes on computer use, knowledge, etc) and GED. The fund can also pay for course-related expenses. The maximum benefit of course related expenses is $300.

Examples of course-related expenses included: Testing/placement fees related to accessing college coursework Translation of diplomas and transcripts from other schools books Apply for Tuition Assistance Apply for Tuition Assistance Frequently Asked Questions Explore answers to common queries to help navigate your educational journey.

Here, we provide clarity on key aspects, ensuring you make informed decisions on your path to growth and learning. We are proudly partnered with: UCLA Extension offers in-person and online courses in a wide range of subjects—from Accounting & Finance to Child Development. It’s a public continuing education institution based in Los Angeles, known for its flexible course formats and reputable instructors.

Broad selection of relevant courses Flexible scheduling (online and/or in-person) University-backed certification and continuing education credits *Please Note: Eligible Family Child Care Providers must be licensed or licensed-exempt AND cared for at least one subsidized child within the last 12 months.

Eligible Family Child Care Providers must be licensed or licensed-exempt AND cared for at least one subsidized child within the last 12 months. Visit UCLA Extension to explore eligible courses in Accounting & Finance, Business, Child Development, Communications, Education, Legal Studies, Mathematics, and Writing. For assistance with academic advising and support, please email advising@uclaextension.

edu with 'SEIU' in the subject line. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment directly through this link. Submit our Tuition Assistance Sponsorship Application for UCLA Extension to request funding.

A Tuition Assistance Coordinator will contact you directly with the next steps and guide you through course enrollment. Already Have a UCLA Extension Profile? If you already have a UCLA Extension profile, you will need to associate that profile with our CCPU Training Fund group.

Here are the instructions for associating your profile with our group. Once logged in, select My Profile from the left-side menu Once in your profile, either click Group Affiliations from the left-side menu or scroll down on the profile until you see Group Associations Enter the Group # for SEIU (G003641) and click Add Group. Here is documentation to help .

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the Save button. Get Started with UCLA Extension: EDvance College’s Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies is a remote and engaging program designed for the ECE workforce. EDvance offers multiple entry points based on students’ current academic experience and multilingual pathways in English and Spanish.

If you’re looking to earn a degree that directly supports your work in early childhood education, EDvance may be the perfect fit!

Online, remote bachelor’s degree program Multilingual degree pathways (English and Spanish) Guaranteed online evening courses outside of regular working hours Credit for the work you’re already doing in the classroom One-on-one academic, technology, and multilingual learner support Supportive and inspiring cohort of fellow ECE educators *Please Note: This program is only available for Bay Area providers in the counties of San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma.

EDvance College (Bay Area) There are 3 pathway entry options available. All entry options require a minimum of a high school diploma/GED and the following college units: 1. Lower Division: 12 semester ECE units (“Core 4”) or eligible for the CA Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential 2.

General Education: 48+ semester units 3. Upper Division: 60 semester units (or 72 quarter hour credits) Explore the Degree Program: EDvance offers pathways in English and Spanish! Visit the Get Started page to explore their Bachelor’s Degree program.

Submit your free online application for EDvance College - it only takes 10 minutes! Link to EDvance application (ENGLISH) Enlace a la aplicación de EDvance (ESPAÑOL) An EDvance Admissions Coordinator will contact you directly with the next steps and guide you through the enrollment process.

Select Your Payment Option: After you are enrolled and have an EDvance student ID number, please fill out the EDvance CCPU Training Fund Scholarship Application . Our Tuition Assistance team will review your application and reach out if there are any additional documents needed.

If you are not in a fully sponsored cohort, you may still access $5,000 toward EDvance through your Tuition Assistance Benefit by submitting a Higher Education Fund Reimbursement/Sponsorship Application. Reimbursement: Pay up front, then apply for reimbursement. Sponsorship: Request sponsorship so the Training Fund can pay directly.

Get Started with EDvance College: ed2go partners with many accredited colleges across California—such as Mt. San Jacinto College, Merced College, and more—to offer diverse online courses. It’s an excellent option if you’re seeking flexible, self-paced learning opportunities in various subject areas.

Wide range of online courses in multiple subject areas Flexible start dates and self-paced study Partnered with accredited institutions across California *Please Note: Eligible Family Child Care Providers must be licensed or licensed-exempt AND cared for at least one subsidized child within the last 12 months.

Eligible Family Child Care Providers must be licensed or licensed-exempt AND cared for at least one subsidized child within the last 12 months. Visit our CCPU Training Fund – ed2go portal here to explore the full list of courses available to you. Select any course you’re interested in and click “Request Info” to share your contact details.

An ed2go representative will guide you through enrollment. Select Your Payment Option: After the enrollment process, we welcome you to select your payment option and submit a Higher Education Fund Reimbursement/Sponsorship Application. Reimbursement: Pay up front, then apply for reimbursement.

Sponsorship: Request sponsorship so the Training Fund can pay directly. MiraCosta College will offer 12 units in Child Development during 2025. These foundational courses, offered exclusively in Spanish, will help lay the groundwork for advanced Early Childhood Education studies.

Courses delivered entirely in Spanish 12-unit foundational Child Development curriculum Ideal for providers looking to build or enhance early childhood expertise *Please Note: Eligible Family Child Care Providers must be licensed or licensed-exempt AND cared for at least one subsidized child within the last 12 months.

The MiraCosta cohort is an annual program starting each January with the ability to learn more and enroll between August and December each year. Please Note: Eligible Family Child Care Providers must be licensed or licensed-exempt AND cared for at least one subsidized child within the last 12 months. The MiraCosta program will only be offered exclusively in Spanish and will provide 12 units total in Child Development during 2025.

The 12 units in Child Development form the foundation upon which further Early Childhood Education coursework is built.

The Child Development courses with the MiraCosta College cohort most likely are: CHLD 105 Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children CHLD 112 Child Growth and Development CHLD 111 Programs for Infants and Toddlers CHLD 106 Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood CHLD 210 Child, Family, and Community Once applications open, apply to join the MiraCosta cohort, and then submit your Tuition Assistance application.

Select Your Payment Option: After the enrollment process, we welcome you to select your payment option and submit a Higher Education Fund Reimbursement/Sponsorship Application. Reimbursement: Pay up front, then apply for reimbursement. Sponsorship: Request sponsorship so the Training Fund can pay directly.

Get Started with MiraCosta College: Who is eligible to apply for the program? Providers must be a licensed or licensed-exempt provider. Must have had a subsidized child within the past twelve months or between Jan.

1, 2022 – Dec. 31, 2024. Must be willing to offer care to subsidized children Education sought must be professional development related to and in service of work as a Family Child Care provider; the content covered must be applicable to early childhood education or a business development.

We will request context regarding applicability to the work of child care from applicants. Education must be taken at accredited: CA public community colleges, CA State Universities, Universities of CA or private non-profit colleges. We hope to add additional adult education schools in the future.

If I just started working, am I eligible to apply for this program? Yes! If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Do I currently need to be providing child care in order to be eligible? Child care providers must have cared for a subsidized child and/or children in the past twelve months or between Jan. 1, 2022 – Dec.

31, 2024 to qualify for reimbursement. Furthermore, child care providers must be currently willing and able to offer care to subsidized children. Do I need to be enrolled in or accepted to school to qualify for tuition assistance?

You do not need to be currently enrolled or accepted into a school or program to be eligible for tuition assistance sponsorship. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have the desire to start higher education, we encourage you to apply. Can I be eligible for tuition assistance again if I receive an award this year?

Yes you can. You are eligible to receive tuition assistance with awards totaling $5,000 per calendar year. If I recently graduated, can I apply for scholarship funds to be retroactive for reimbursements?

Yes, you can apply for reimbursement for courses taken in 2022 or 2023, if you are no longer enrolled, but were able to complete the course(s) and/or graduated from your program. Is a member eligible for this program if they have been awarded other state scholarships? Yes, this is a separate scholarship funded by the CCPU Training Fund and you are encouraged to apply.

Does the program need to be taken at a school in CA? Yes, the program must be taken at an accredited CA public community college, CA State University, Universities of CA, or private non-profit colleges. Accredited prerequisite education courses are also applicable.

Does the program need to be related to my work as a family child care provider? Yes, the program must be professional development related to your work as a family child care provider. This can include business, education, psychology courses and in service of work as a Family Child Care provider.

Do I need to be a union member in order to qualify? No, you do not need to be a union member in order to qualify for this benefit. I am listed on a family child care license with someone else (for example, a spouse or family member).

Are they also eligible to receive the $5,000 in Tuition Assistance, or is only one person eligible? Both individuals listed on the license are eligible to receive up to $5,000 in Tuition Assistance, pending all other eligibility requirements are met. As a family child care provider, I have an assistant who helps me.

Is my assistant eligible to receive Tuition Assistance? No, assistants and family members who are not licensed or license-exempt are not eligible for this benefit. There’s no limit.

You can apply whenever you're ready—even multiple times as you continue your education. The only limit is the $5,000 per calendar year. Do I have to be a full time student?

No. Whether you’re taking one class or five, you can still receive the benefit. This program is designed to fit your schedule as a busy provider. Can I apply even if I already have a degree?

Yes. Even if you already have a degree, you can still apply for continuing education, child development, business courses, ESL, GED prep, and more. Do the classes have to be in-person?

Absolutely not! Online, hybrid, or in person—it all counts. You choose what works for your life and your schedule.

Can I receive assistance enrolling in a higher education course? Yes, if you need assistance to enroll in a higher education course, we would be happy to assist you. Please reach out to PRC@ccpuca.

org so we can schedule an appointment with you. Is the scholarship money only able to be used for tuition, or can it be used towards other costs as well? The tuition assistance award can be used for tuition and can cover additional expenses for things like transcript requests, books, and other course requirements.

Within the $5,000, an individual can request up to $300 to cover such expenses. What can we be reimbursed for? Tuition paid for in 2022 and beyond, as well as, course materials.

What are all the appropriate documents that can be submitted for reimbursement?

To successfully apply for tuition assistance, you will want to have documentation that clearly indicates: Course information Dates of when course/class was taken Course payment or cost of the course from the institution Evidence of course requirements such as books, transcripts, etc. What is all the appropriate documentation that can be submitted for sponsorship?

Bursar/Cashier’s office contact information Can I reapply if I was initially denied? Yes, you can reapply if you meet all the eligibility requirements and provide the appropriate documentation. How can I go about using the CCPU TA Fund to get a computer, printer, hotspot, and other technical support?

Do I have to submit an essay with my application? No, you do not have to submit an essay. There are some write-in questions within the application that will help provide us with more information.

Will I need to fill out a FAFSA for this? No, you do not have to fill out a FAFSA form for this tuition assistance program. Can it be for any degree?

The Tuition Assistance program is for any member enrolled or planning to enroll in a CA accredited higher education program as it relates to the work as a Family Child Care Provider. This can include prerequisite education, continuing education, undergraduate, graduate, or PhD programs. Can I apply for this scholarship if I want to use the money for a certification program or general training?

We are able to pay for courses taken towards a certification program, as long as it is from an accredited higher education institution (public, private, state, community colleges, and trade schools) and applies to your work as a family child care provider. Can I apply for this scholarship to help pay for conference costs, if the conference is related to family child care?

If your conference costs are a course-related expense, you can request up to $300 to cover these costs. Do I need to be enrolled full time to be eligible for this scholarship? No, there are no part time or full time restrictions for eligibility.

I was enrolled in 2022 and completed my program during that year. Am I still able to be reimbursed for those costs? Yes, you are eligible for tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 in that scenario.

Can I apply for myself as a member and for my dependents as well? No, this program is for all CCPU bargaining unit members and will not cover dependents. In the event I receive a tuition assistance award, how exactly will I receive my reimbursement or sponsorship?

If your application for tuition assistance is approved, the following steps will take place: You will be notified by the CCPU Training Fund via email or mail. We will be in contact if we need further information that is required, such as a Student ID number, school information, etc. We will contact the educational institution to inform them of the award. We will then send a check in the appropriate amount to the educational institution.

We will send you the necessary forms to begin the payment process so you will get your full reimbursement in a timely manner. How long will it take to know whether or not I’ve received the award? It can take between 30-60 business days to hear back on your award status.

If you have not received any communication within this timeframe, please email us at PRC@ccpuca. org I took out student loans and/or received financial aid to help pay for school, can I get reimbursed for this money? The tuition assistance fund cannot reimburse for tuition that was paid by financial aid, such as student loans, grants and scholarships.

Only out-of-pocket tuition payments are eligible; such as payments made by debit card, credit card, checking account and electronic check, or payments made in-person at your campus with a money order, check or cash. My application was rejected because of not having cared for a subsidized child(ren) within the past 12 months, but I have proof that I cared for a subsidized child(ren) within the past 12 months. What should I do?

We understand that there may be discrepancies with our records. Please email PRC@ccpuca. org with proof of you having cared for a subsidized child(ren) within the past 12 months.

We will review the documents you provided and reopen your application to be processed if we see that you’ve provided care for subsidized children. I work as a child care provider and/or teacher for an organization/center/other business, am I eligible to apply for tuition assistance?

At this time, the Tuition Assistance Fund is for in-home providers (owners of child care businesses) not for center-based providers (providing child care/teaching within a center). If you decide to open an in-home child care business in the future, we encourage you to re-apply in the future Who is required to submit a W-9 form?

A completed W-9 form is required from all applicants who are not currently enrolled in an Associate, Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree program. How will eligible applicants receive the W-9 form? For individuals who meet the criteria, the W-9 form will be sent via Docusign email.

If an applicant does not receive the email in their inbox, spam, or other folders, please direct them to contact avigail. deking@seiuesf. org .

How do I complete the W-9 form in Docusign? Instructions for applicants on how to complete the W-9 form electronically in Docusign are available via this link . Who will receive a 1099 tax form?

Applicants who receive payment above the IRS threshold and meet the tax classification criteria will receive a 1099 form for tax purposes. Please note: Applicants who mark a C or S corporation for their tax classification on their W-9 will not receive a 1099. What happens if I do not submit a W-9?

Failure to provide a W-9 will result in the applicant not being paid and being placed on a Do Not Pay list. How will I receive my payment? We utilize bill.

com for vendor payments and strongly recommend signing up for e-payment/direct deposit for faster and more secure receipt of funds. Instructions for enrolling in e-payment/direct deposit are attached to this email. Note: These instructions were created by another team and may contain program details at the top that are not relevant to your specific program.

However, the bill. com payment steps are consistent, so it is recommended that you craft a similar set of instructions utilizing the steps for e-payment enrollment. What if I prefer to receive payment by check?

If an applicant does not enroll in e-payment/direct deposit, they will receive payment by check. Checks may take up to four weeks to arrive. Please inform recipients that the check will be enclosed in a white envelope, potentially bearing "Bill.

com" on the exterior, and will not feature our organization's name. If an applicant prefers to receive a check, they should disregard the e-payment enrollment email from bill. com , as their account is already configured for check issuance.

Embark on a transformative educational journey with the Higher Education Tuition Access Fund – your key to unlocking a world of opportunities. As early child care providers, your dedication to shaping young minds is acknowledged, celebrated and encouraged through our financial support. Whether through reimbursement or sponsorship, we're here to uplift your commitment to education.

Your path to growth is not limited– let the Higher Education Tuition Access Fund inspire and propel you towards new horizons and opportunities. Stay Informed, Empower Your Journey!