TEACH vs. WAGE$ vs. CDA Scholarship: Which Missouri Program Is Right for You?
If you’re working in child care and thinking about your next career step, the number of available programs can feel confusing. One person tells you to get your CDA. Another suggests applying for T.E.A.C.H. Missouri. Someone else mentions WAGE$.
The challenge is that each program serves a different purpose, and figuring out where to start isn’t always obvious.
Many educators assume they need to compare these programs and choose one. In reality, the CDA Scholarship Project, T.E.A.C.H. Missouri, and Child Care WAGE$ support different stages of an early childhood education career.
The real question isn’t which program is best. It’s which program fits where you are today.
This guide explains what each program does, who it is designed for, and how they can work together as you continue building your career.
The Quick Answer: Three Programs, One Career Path
The CDA Scholarship Project helps you earn your first credential. T.E.A.C.H. Missouri helps you earn a college degree while you continue working. Child Care WAGE$ helps eligible educators earn additional income based on their education level.
Because Child Care Aware of Missouri administers all three programs, educators can receive guidance throughout their professional journey rather than navigating each opportunity separately.
You do not have to map out your entire career today. You only need to identify the next step.
Together, these programs create a practical child care career ladder in Missouri, helping educators move from their first credential to a degree and, eventually, increased compensation.
Find Your Starting Point
Not every educator begins in the same place.
- You’re new to the field. You are working in a classroom, perhaps as an assistant teacher, and need a recognized credential. Start with the CDA Scholarship Project.
- You’re ready for college. You have experience in the field, maybe even a CDA already, and want to earn a degree without taking on significant debt. T.E.A.C.H. Missouri may be the right fit.
- You’re educated but underpaid. You have earned credentials, gained experience, and want your compensation to better reflect your professional growth. Child Care WAGE$ may be worth exploring.
How These Programs Support Child Care Career Advancement in Missouri
Many educators think of these programs as separate opportunities, but together they support child care career advancement in Missouri.
One program helps you earn your first credential, another helps you continue your education, and another rewards you for staying in the profession.
Rather than competing with one another, the CDA Scholarship Project, T.E.A.C.H. Missouri, and Child Care WAGE$ are designed to support different milestones throughout an educator’s career.
Comparison at a Glance
| CDA Scholarship Project | T.E.A.C.H. Missouri | Child Care WAGE$ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it’s for | Earning your CDA credential | Earning a college degree or credential | Supplementing your salary |
| What it covers | The cost of earning your CDA | A percentage of tuition and books, plus a completion bonus | A cash supplement tied to your education level |
| Best for | New professionals | Working educators pursuing a degree | Credentialed educators who feel underpaid |
| Where | Statewide | Statewide | St. Louis County (pilot) |
If You’re Just Starting Out: Begin with the CDA Scholarship Project
The Child Development Associate (CDA) is one of the most widely recognized credentials in early childhood education. Many Missouri child care programs look for it when hiring or promoting staff because it demonstrates foundational knowledge of child development, health and safety practices, and family engagement.
The challenge is that earning a CDA costs money, and for many educators, that cost becomes a barrier.
For educators searching for early childhood education scholarships in Missouri, scholarships for daycare teachers in Missouri, or a free CDA scholarship in Missouri, the CDA Scholarship Project is often the first step toward earning a recognized credential.
How Do I Get My CDA for Free in Missouri?
The CDA Scholarship Project helps cover the cost of coursework and credential-related expenses, making the CDA more accessible for educators across Missouri.
You complete the required training and credential process while the program helps remove much of the financial burden.
Viewed as a whole, these programs support long-term career growth in the field, helping you become a stronger early childhood educator and opening the door to future educational opportunities.
Once you have your CDA, you’re positioned for the next step, which is often college coursework or a degree program through T.E.A.C.H. Missouri.
T.E.A.C.H. Missouri Scholarship: Earning a Degree While You Work
T.E.A.C.H. Missouri is designed for educators who want to continue their education while remaining employed in the field.
Missouri is one of the states that participates in this national scholarship model, and Child Care Aware of Missouri holds the statewide license.
For educators asking, “Can I get my early childhood degree paid for while working?” the T.E.A.C.H. Missouri Scholarship was created to help make that possible without stepping away from the classroom.
Can I Get My Early Childhood Degree Paid For While Working?
In many cases, yes.
T.E.A.C.H. Missouri covers a significant portion of tuition and books. The educator contributes a small share, the sponsoring employer contributes a portion, and the scholarship covers the remainder.
Most scholarship contracts cover nine to fifteen credit hours across three consecutive semesters, allowing educators to balance work and school responsibilities.
Participants who successfully complete their contract earn a completion bonus and may also receive an employer match or salary increase, depending on their program agreement.
One important thing to know: T.E.A.C.H. Missouri operates on a continuous waitlist, and scholarships are awarded as funding becomes available. Starting the application process early is often beneficial.
If You’re Educated but Underpaid: Learn About Child Care WAGE$ Missouri
Early childhood educators are among the most important professionals in their communities, yet many continue to face low wages despite earning credentials and gaining experience.
This gap between education and compensation contributes to turnover across the field.
How Can I Make More Money Working in Child Care?
Child Care WAGE$ Missouri was created to help address that challenge.
The program provides a child care wage supplement tied to education levels, helping educators see a financial return on the time and effort they’ve invested in professional development.
Rather than rewarding job changes, the program rewards retention by encouraging educators to stay in the profession and continue serving children and families.
St. Louis County Child Care Professionals: What to Know About WAGE$
If you’ve been searching for information about the St. Louis County WAGE$ program, this is the initiative currently being piloted in the county.
At this time, Child Care WAGE$ Missouri is not available statewide.
Educators working in St. Louis County may be eligible to participate now. Educators elsewhere in Missouri can still explore the CDA Scholarship Project and T.E.A.C.H. Missouri, both of which are available statewide.
How the Three Programs Work Together
When viewed together, the path becomes much easier to understand.
- Start with the CDA Scholarship Project to earn your first credential.
- Continue your education through T.E.A.C.H. Missouri.
- Then, as your education level grows, Child Care WAGE$ may help increase your earnings.
Taken together, they provide a pathway from credentialing to higher education and increased compensation.
Finding the Right Next Step
Building a career in early childhood education doesn’t happen all at once. Some educators start with a CDA, others return to school later in their careers, and many look for ways to increase their earnings while continuing to support children and families.
The CDA Scholarship Project, T.E.A.C.H. Missouri, and Child Care WAGE$ were created to support those different stages. The most important step is identifying where you are today and choosing the program that helps you move forward.
At Child Care Aware of Missouri, we work with educators across the state to help them advance their child care career, understand eligibility requirements, and identify the next step that fits their career goals.
FAQs
Do I have to pay back the T.E.A.C.H. Missouri scholarship if I don’t finish?
T.E.A.C.H. Missouri participants are expected to complete the coursework outlined in their scholarship contract. If a contract is not completed, repayment requirements may apply based on the terms of the agreement.
Can family child care providers get these scholarships, or only center staff?
Family child care providers may qualify for programs such as the CDA Scholarship Project and T.E.A.C.H. Missouri, alongside many center-based educators. Eligibility requirements vary by program and employment situation.
Can I be in T.E.A.C.H. Missouri and WAGE$ at the same time?
T.E.A.C.H. Missouri and Child Care WAGE$ support different stages of professional growth, and eligible educators may be able to participate in both. One helps build education and credentials, while the other recognizes completed education through salary supplements.
How much does a CDA cost in Missouri without a scholarship?
Costs vary depending on the training provider, coursework, and assessment requirements. The CDA Scholarship Project helps cover eligible expenses, making the credential more accessible for Missouri educators.
Is WAGE$ available in Kansas City or Springfield?
Child Care WAGE$ Missouri is currently operating as a pilot program in St. Louis County. Educators outside the county can still explore statewide opportunities through the CDA Scholarship Project and T.E.A.C.H. Missouri.
