Policy
Head Start and Early Head Start Head Teachers, Home Visitors, Teachers, and Aides, as well as substitutes that have graduated from the SEEKERS Program, can request tuition reimbursement for certificates and degrees in and relating to Early Childhood Education.
Procedures
- Requests for reimbursement will be reviewed by the Training Committee. The Training Committee will prioritize requests by Tiers. Tier 1 requests are reimbursed at 100%, contingent upon funds available. All other requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Tier 1) Early Head Start and Head Start Teachers working towards an Infant/Toddler or Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a Certificate in Early Childhood Education, or an associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
- Tier 2) Early Head Start and Head Start Classroom Aides working towards an Infant/Toddler or Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a Certificate in Early Childhood Education, or an associate degree in Early Childhood Education.
- Tier 3) Early Head Start and Head Start Head Teachers working towards a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree.
- Tier 4) Continuing education for Early Head Start and Head Start teaching staff wishing to move beyond the degree requirements of their current position.
- Tier 5) Substitutes that have graduated from the SEEKERS Program and are working towards a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a Certificate in Early Childhood Education, or an associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
- Funds may be requested for expenses associated with the acquisition of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or for the tuition, fees, or books necessary for required coursework in the pursuit of a degree in or relating to Early Childhood Education.
- Passing grades are required for individuals that receive financial assistance. If an individual receives a Failed or Incomplete grade, the employee must work with the Training Coordinator to create an appropriate response. Response could be A) The individual will not receive reimbursement of expenses, or; B) The individual will repay expenses associated with the failed/incomplete coursework which have been paid by HSOLC, or; C) The individual will retake the failed/incomplete coursework at the individual’s own expense and submit passing grades to the Training Committee.
- Commitment agreements are required prior to receiving financial assistance, except expenses associated with the CDA Credential. Individuals who receive financial assistance shall be required to maintain employment at Head Start of Lane County for a designated period of time after being awarded the certificate or degree or repay the total or a prorated amount of the financial assistance received based on the length of service completed after receiving the degree. The commitment periods are as follows:
- One year after being awarded the certificate.
- Two years after being awarded an associate degree.
- Three years after being awarded a bachelor’s or advanced degree.
- Individuals who have not been awarded a certificate or degree are required to maintain employment with Head Start of Lane County for at least 6 months after the last tuition reimbursement date.
- Individuals are not eligible to receive financial assistance during their probationary period of employment. Individuals are permitted to save documentation during their probationary employment period and request reimbursement from the Training Committee following the completion of their successful probationary employment period, so long as the term falls within the current fiscal year.
- Requests for tuition reimbursement must fall within the same fiscal year as the term being requested. Spring term may be carried over into the next program year provided that the request for reimbursement is submitted to the Training Committee prior to June 30.
This policy meets Performance Standard 1302.91 (2)(i)(ii), (3)
Policy Council approved: 02/2024
Updated:
REVIEWED: