Policy
Head Start and Early Head Start Head Teachers, Home Visitors, Teachers, and Aides, as well as employees that have graduated from the SEEKERS Program, can request tuition reimbursement for certificates and degrees in and relating to Early Childhood Education.
Procedures
- Applicants will complete the Tuition Assistance Request form and submit it to the Training Committee for review.
- 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. Requests from all other Tier levels will be reviewed starting in January of each year and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Tier 1) Early Head Start and Head Start Teachers, Home Visitors, and Classroom Aides 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.
- Tier 2) Early Head Start and Head Start Head Teachers working towards a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related degree.
- Tier 3) Continuing education for Early Head Start and Head Start teaching staff and Home Visitors wishing to move beyond the degree requirements of their current position.
- Tier 4) Employees 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 prior to receiving financial assistance.
- 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 initial 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.
- Employees that are promoted before their request for tuition assistance is reviewed by the Training Committee will be placed on the tier level that reflects the position that employee held at the time their request was submitted for consideration.
- Employees receiving tuition assistance are limited to a maximum of $6,000 of reimbursement funds per fiscal year. The Training Committee may approve funding over $6,000 if there is additional funding available at the conclusion of the fiscal year.
This policy meets Performance Standard 1302.91 (2)(i)(ii), (3)
Policy Council approved: February 2024 Updated: April 2026
REVIEWED: April 2026