2010 Education Award Application and Instructions:
     
         Instructions for Child Care Directors

         Instructions for Teachers

         Instructions for Family Child Care Providers  



The Smart Start Education Award, given out each year in late June, covers the successful completion of college coursework during the period from July of previous year to May of current year (Ex: July 2008 - May 2009).  In April, the application, with instructions, will appear on the Smart Start website. 

To qualify for an award, you must:

·         work as a director, assistant director, teacher, or teacher assistant with children ages birth to five

·         be employed at a Mecklenburg County star rated or temporarily-licensed child care facility

·         earn an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree in Early Childhood (or equivalent area such as Child Development) from a regionally-accredited college or university

                                                            or                                

earn six semester credit hours, with a grade of C or better, in early childhood coursework, remedial courses or coursework leading to an early childhood or equivalent degree from a regionally-accredited college or university

To receive the award, you must submit a completed application including required attachments. Late, incomplete, faxed or e-mailed applications will not be processed. It is important to know that Smart Start never makes exceptions to the guidelines listed above and those found on the application.

Awards will be subject to available budget dollars and based on the number of eligible applicants. The amount of the award will not be publicized before the checks are mailed.