TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — New funding was announced today to assist early childhood educators. The program is in honor of a woman who is remembered as a strong advocate for early childhood education.
Today the United Way of the Wabash Valley’s Success by 6 Impact Council announced the creation of the Natalie Pugh Memorial Professional Development Fund.
Pugh was a co-chare of the Success by 6 Impact Council. The fund will offer financial support to early childhood educators who wish to pursue opportunities being offered by Success by 6.
These opportunities include the Credential Assistance Program and Professional Development Grants.
The Credential Assistance Program awards educational incentives to those who complete
their credential/degree program utilizing the federally funded and Indiana-administered
T.E.A.C.H Early Childhood Scholarship Program or Illinois’s Gateways Scholarship Program. These
already-funded programs provide tuition reimbursement to students in the early childhood
education field.
This program’s funding not only supports and encourages students to complete their education, but it also
provides an incentive payment to the students’ early childhood education program employers as they support their employees’ efforts to attain their educational goals. The incentive funding
ranges from $500 – $1,500 based on the credential or degree type.
The Professional Development Grants support enrichment opportunities for childcare staff and
preschool teachers who provide direct care for young children. The funds cover registration fees
for conferences, workshops, classes, etc. that will improve the applicants’ ability to do their job
and foster the healthy development of young children. The grant awards range from $30-$150.
According to the United Way, Success by 6 will add to and update its professional development opportunities over time to meet the needs of the profession.
