Yes, all current and future early educators intending to be employed within Riverside County are eligible to apply for EETDG funds. Courses taken must fall under at least one of the four EETDG tracks toward early education.

No. This grant is specific to California’s Early Educator workforce. Funds will be allocated only toward ECE units, MS credentials to teach TK or above, child development permit increase, and infant/toddler growth and development courses.

Tuition support stipends will be distributed once eligible courses have been fulfilled and the grade verification of passing grade of C or better has been completed by authorized RCOE staff. Applicants can submit the Grade Verification form after each completed course or once all qualified courses are completed.

EETDG PROGRAM ENDS SPRING 2026
(Or until grant funds are exhausted)

The EETDG timeline is July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026. However, in order to comply with EETDG's Grant Award Notification and fiscal year regulations, all eligible courses must be completed by participants between July 1, 2022 - May 30, 2026.

• Applications accepted through April 1, 2026
• Grade Verifications and required documentation must be emailed to eetdg@rcoe.us no later than May 30, 2026

It is to your advantage to submit required paperwork immediately following completion of courses, as funds are limited based on availability.

If you are enrolled in qualified courses on or after July 1, 2022, and complete the eligible courses by June 30, 2026, yes, you qualify for the EETDG Tuition Support Stipend.

The Tuition Support Stipend will vary and be determined by the educational track and availability of funds per EETDG tracks listed below:

• Track 1: Early Education/Child Development
  Tuition Support Stipend: $300 per unit, not to exceed $7,200 per person.
• Track 2: Credential Pathway
  Tuition Support Stipend: $650 per unit, not to exceed $19,500 per person
• Track 3: Child Development Teacher Permit or Above
  Tuition Support Stipend: $300 per unit, not to exceed $7,200 per person
• Track 4: Infant/Toddler Growth and Development
  Tuition Support Stipend: $300 per unit, not to exceed $3,600 per person

Processing times vary; however, it does take several weeks before a check is mailed. After you have qualified for the grant, completed eligible coursework, and the Grade Verification form has been approved, a tuition support stipend check will be mailed directly to the address on the Form W-9 and/or application form. Applicants can submit the Grade Verification form after each completed course or once all qualified courses are completed.

Yes, all participants must enroll themselves into an accredited institution for higher education (IHE) college or university. If you would like information on an accredited IHE, contact eetdg@rcoe.us. 

No. Prior completion of courses within the four EETDG tracks do not qualify. Eligible courses must be completed within the EETDG timeframe of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026.

To meet the early education workforce need for working professionals to access college programs and associated costs of furthering early childhood education, the below tuition support stipend increases have been implemented for the duration of the EETDG. Retroactive stipend checks will automatically be mailed (by mid-December) to EETDG candidates who received the original rate. No action is needed.

Note: If you have moved since receiving your last EETDG tuition support stipend, you must email an updated Form W-9 to eetdg@rcoe.us as soon as possible. Not updating your address on the Form W-9 will delay receipt of all stipends.

EETDG Tuition Support Stipend Approved Increase

Track 1
Increased from $150 per unit to $300 per unit
Increased maximum from $3,600 to $7,200

Track 2
Increased from $300 per unit to $650 per unit
Increased maximum from $9,000 to $19,500

Track 3
Increased from $150 per unit to $300 per unit
Increased maximum from $3,600 to $7,200

Track 4
Increased from $150 per unit to $300 per unit
Increased maximum from $1,800 to $3,600