Financial Support
KCCTO offers scholarships to help early childhood providers continue to grow their career and expertise.
The scholarship details outline the eligibility requirements, applicant responsibilities, and procedures for applying for KCCTO Scholarships.
By submitting a scholarship application, you certify that you have read and understand the eligibility requirements, applicant responsibilities, and procedures for the scholarship type you are applying for.
Scholarships are awarded based on eligibility and funding availability.
Please view the drop-down menus below for details on each of our scholarships and how to apply.
Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP)
All scholarship types require:
- A completed Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) is required to be uploaded within the application in order to be considered for a scholarship.
- Must have a complete profile in Cape. Not sure how? Watch these video tutorials.
Active Scholarships
Higher Education Scholarship
The KCCTO Higher Education Scholarship supports early childhood professionals working in Kansas as they pursue college coursework leading to continued professional growth and career advancement. Scholarship funding may be used for eligible early childhood courses offered by accredited Kansas institutions of higher education.
To apply, you must:
- Be employed by a licensed Kansas child care program or qualifying licensed-exempt early childhood program.
- Have a current Cape Profile.
- Have a current Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
- Enroll in an eligible early childhood course offered by an accredited Kansas institution of higher education.
- Request no more than six (6) qualifying credit hours per semester.
- Apply for and use all other available financial aid, including the Kansas Promise Scholarship, when applicable.
- Must earn a minimum grade of a C
KCCTO pays 100% of eligible tuition and required fees for approved ECE coursework, up to six (6) qualifying credit hours per semester.
Eligible Coursework
Scholarship funding may be used for qualifying early childhood coursework leading to:
- Continuing education
- CDA preparation
- Early Childhood Certificate
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
Applicants may choose one of two payment options:
- Advance Pay – payment for eligible tuition and required fees directly before the course begins
- Reimbursement – payment to the original payee upon successful completion of the course and receipt of all required documentation
Applicant Responsibilities
As a scholarship recipient, you agree to:
- Maintain eligibility throughout the scholarship period.
- Notify KCCTO of any changes to your employment or course enrollment.
- Successfully complete approved coursework.
- Submit required documentation by established deadlines.
- Provide accurate and complete information on all scholarship materials.
Failure to Meet Scholarship Requirements
Applicants who do not meet scholarship requirements may become ineligible for future KCCTO scholarship funding.
This may include, but is not limited to:
- Failure to complete the course.
- Earning a grade below C.
- Failure to submit required documentation.
- Providing false or incomplete information.
- Failure to notify KCCTO of changes affecting scholarship eligibility.
How to Apply
- Complete or update your Cape Profile.
- Complete or update your Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
- Submit the Higher Education Scholarship application.
- Provide all required course information.
- Upload the required supporting documentation.
- Select Advance Pay or Reimbursement.
Required Documentation
Documentation must include:
- Proof of FASFA Application for current academic year
- Course registration
- Tuition and fee statement
Depending on your payment option, you may be asked to provide:
- Proof of payment
- Proof of course completion indicating a C grade or higher
- Other supporting documentation as requested by KCCTO
Verifying Course Completion
Applicants must successfully complete each approved course with a grade of C or higher.
Verification may include:
- Official transcript
- Unofficial transcript
- Degree audit
- Official letter or email from the institution
- Authorization for Release of Information
In-Service Training Scholarship
The KCCTO In-Service Training Scholarship supports Kansas early childhood professionals by helping cover the cost of eligible professional development. Scholarships may be used for approved online or in-person training that supports professional growth, licensing requirements, or credential attainment.
This scholarship does not apply to KCCTO training unless specifically identified in the course description.
To apply, you must:
- Be employed by a licensed Kansas child care program or qualifying licensed-exempt early childhood program.
- Have a current Cape Profile.
- Have a current Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
- Be applying for an eligible training event.
KCCTO provides scholarship funding for eligible registration costs.
Current scholarship limits are:
- Up to $200 per person per State Fiscal Year for eligible in-service training.
- Up to 120 clock hours of CDA training, with a maximum scholarship award of $400.
Priority may be given to applicants who have not previously received an In-Service Training Scholarship during the current State Fiscal Year.
All awards are subject to funding availability.
Payment Options
Choose the payment option that works best for you.
1. Advance Pay
KCCTO pays the approved registration fee directly to the training organization before the training begins.
When to apply:
- As soon as registration opens, or
- At least 4 weeks before the training event or registration deadline (whichever comes first).
2. Reimbursement
Pay for the training yourself and request reimbursement from KCCTO after the training. Reimbursement is issued after KCCTO verifies successful completion and receives all required documentation.
Requirements:
- Successfully complete the training.
- Submit all required documentation.
- Meet scholarship eligibility requirements.
When to apply:
- Up to 4 weeks before the training event, or
- Within 3 months after the training event.
Applicant Responsibilities
Applicants agree to:
- Maintain eligibility throughout the scholarship period.
- Complete the approved training.
- Submit all required documentation by established deadlines.
- Notify KCCTO of changes affecting scholarship eligibility.
- Provide accurate and complete information throughout the application process.
Failure to Meet Scholarship Requirements
Applicants who do not meet scholarship requirements may become ineligible for future KCCTO scholarship funding.
This may include, but is not limited to:
- Failure to complete the training.
- Failure to submit required documentation.
- Failure to notify KCCTO of changes affecting scholarship eligibility.
How to Apply
- Complete or update your Cape Profile.
- Complete or update your Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
- Submit the In-Service Training Scholarship application.
- Provide information about the requested training.
- Select Advance Pay or Reimbursement.
- Upload the required documentation.
Required Documentation
Documentation must include the applicant’s name.
Advance Pay
Applicants requesting Advance Pay must provide:
- Training registration information
- Any additional documentation requested by KCCTO
- Registration confirmation after award is received and registration has been completed
Reimbursement
Applicants requesting reimbursement must provide:
- Proof of registration
- Proof of payment
- Verification of training completion
NOTE: payments and certificates issued through Cape do not need to be submitted.
State Conference Training Professional Development Scholarship
The KCCTO In-State Conference Scholarship helps Kansas early childhood professionals attend eligible conferences that support professional growth, networking, and continuing education.
Scholarships may assist with eligible conference expenses, including registration, travel, lodging, and approved conference-related fees.
NOTE: Food, beverages and extracurricular activities offered by the conference organizers are not covered under this scholarship.
Scholarships are awarded based on eligibility and available funding.
To apply, you must:
- Be employed by a licensed Kansas child care program or qualifying licensed-exempt early childhood program.
- Have a Cape Profile.
- Have a current* Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
- Attend an eligible conference approved for this scholarship
*Current is defined as within 12 months of the date of the application.
Eligible Conferences
A conference must meet one of the following requirements:
- Offer State-approved training, or
- Be offered by an organization authorized to award Continuing Education Units (CEUs) using approved content.
If you are unsure whether a conference qualifies, contact KCCTO before submitting your scholarship application.
Payment Options and Deadlines
Applicants may choose one of the following payment options.
1. Advance Pay
KCCTO may pay the following expenses directly to the conference organization (when possible):
- Conference registration
- Required membership fees
- CEU fees
Application deadline
Apply:
- As soon as conference registration opens, or
- At least 4 weeks before the conference or registration deadline.
2. Reimbursement
Reimbursement is issued after KCCTO receives verification of the successful completion of the conference.
KCCTO reimburses eligible expenses after:
- Conference attendance has been verified.
- Required documentation has been submitted.
Eligible reimbursement may include:
- Registration
- Mileage
- Lodging
- Other approved expenses
Application deadline
Apply:
- As soon as conference registration opens, or
- No later than 2 months after the conference.
Note: The two-month reimbursement deadline does not override State Fiscal Year funding deadlines.
Conference Expenses
Scholarships may cover eligible conference expenses up to $600 per person per State Fiscal Year, including:
- Conference registration
- Required membership fees
- CEU fees
- Mileage
- Lodging
A maximum of $3,000 per facility per State Fiscal Year may be awarded.
All awards are subject to available funding.
Ineligible Expenses
- Meals
- Expenses not specifically approved by KCCTO
Travel and Lodging
Mileage
Mileage reimbursement is available when:
- The conference is 50 miles or more (one way) from your home.
- Exception: Reimbursement may be approved for shorter distances if travel time requires leaving home before 6:30 a.m. to arrive at least 30 minutes before the conference begins.
Mileage is reimbursed at the current State of Kansas mileage rate.
Lodging
Hotel reimbursement may be available when:
- The conference is 50 miles or more (one way) from your home, and
- An overnight stay is necessary the night before the conference begins.
Please note:
- Lodging after the conference ends is not covered.
- Approved lodging costs should not exceed the conference’s recommended hotel rate, when applicable.
Applicant Responsibilities
Applicants agree to:
- Maintain eligibility throughout the scholarship period.
- Complete the approved training.
- Submit all required documentation by established deadlines.
- Notify KCCTO of changes affecting scholarship eligibility.
- Provide accurate and complete information throughout the application process.
Failure to Meet Scholarship Requirements
Applicants who do not meet scholarship requirements may become ineligible for future KCCTO scholarship funding.
This may include, but is not limited to:
- Failure to complete the conference.
- Failure to submit required documentation.
- Failure to notify KCCTO of changes affecting scholarship eligibility.
How to Apply
- Complete or update your Cape Profile.
- Complete or update your Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
- Submit the In-State Conference Scholarship application.
- Provide information about the requested training.
- Select Advance Pay or Reimbursement.
- Upload the required documentation.
Required Documentation
Documentation must include the applicant’s name.
Advance Pay
Applicants requesting Advance Pay must provide:
- Training registration information
- Any additional documentation requested by KCCTO
- Registration confirmation after the award has been approved
Reimbursement
Applicants requesting reimbursement must provide:
- Proof of registration
- Proof of payment
- Verification of training completion
NOTE: payments and certificates issued through Cape do not need to be submitted.
Verification Requirements
Applicants must verify conference attendance.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- Certificate of Completion
- Conference transcript
- Other documentation approved by KCCTO
Aim4Excellence Directors Credential
AIM4Excellence Director Credential Scholarships are eligible to Kansas directors working in a licensed child care facility and meeting the requirements of the scholarship program.
Applicant must:
- Be the Director of a licensed facility in Kansas
- Complete all 9, self-paced interactive online Aim4Excellence learning modules (one module per month)
- Participate in monthly check-in calls with KCCTO Professional Development Support Specialist (PDSS)
- Participate in Cohort Zoom meetings with other professionals working towards the same goal
KCCTO will:
- Pay $1,750 registration fee-McCormick Aim4Excellence Learning Modules
- PDSS will provide direct support
For more information prior to applying contact:
Tara Glanton at kccto@ksu.edu or call 785-532-7197
View Policies & Procedures Document HERE.
Applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the training event or registration closing if requesting a pay-in-advance scholarship. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. Please allow 10 business days for processing.
For more information prior to applying contact:
Tara Glanton at kccto@ksu.edu or call 785-532-7197
In-active Scholarships
First Aid CPR Scholarship
Kansas ECE Educators currently working in a licensed child care facility are eligible to apply for the First Aid CPR Scholarship.
Scholarship Details:
Training must be:
Pediatric First Aid and CPR
Scholarship Applicant must:
Work in a licensed facility
Have a Cape Profile
Completed an Individual Professional Development Plan that is current within 12 months
KCCTO will:
Pay the certification fee.
Issue an advance payment when the application is submitted a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the training date and the training organization provides an invoice.
Provide reimbursement after receiving verification of payment and proof of certification completion.
View Policies & Procedures Document HERE.
National Conference Training Professional Development Scholarship
This scholarship can be used for early childhood national conferences for personal or professional growth opportunities.
Training must be:
- Offered by an agency with Authority to offer CEUs and content approved for CEUs
Applicant Must:
- Currently be employed at a licensed child care facility in Kansas (Note: Head Start staff are not eligible for this scholarship)
- Complete training registration and provide verification to KCCTO
- Provide verification of training completion to KCCTO
KCCTO Will:
- Pay national conference attendance costs of up to maximum per person $1,000 (including registration, membership if applicable, CEU fees, travel, and lodging) per year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
- Maximum per facility $2,000 per year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
- SEE Page 4 for travel and lodging reimbursement details.
- SCHOLARSHIP DOES NOT COVER FOOD EXPENSES.
View Policies & Procedures HERE.
Applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the training event or registration closing if requesting a pay-in-advance* scholarship. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. Please allow 10 business days for processing.
*Note: Pay-in-Advance scholarships only apply to registration fees when arrangements can be made. Travel and lodging expenses may be submitted for reimbursement after attending the conference. DOES NOT COVER FOOD EXPENSES.
*Group Registrations: Facilities with 6 or more individuals applying for the same scholarship type must contact KCCTO for further instruction.
Questions?
Submit your question with our online Connect With Us form about scholarships.
Looking for Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential information?
Visit KCCTO’s CDA Resource Center for CDA scholarship details and applications.
