IdahoSTARS Academic Scholarships Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive a IdahoSTARS Academic Scholarship?   [top]

Any child care provider who is enrolled with the IdahoSTARS Professional Development Registry, works a minimum of 25hrs/week, earns $15 or less per hour, has a high school diploma or GED and has worked at the same program for one year is eligible. Child care workers employed in a center must also have the commitment from their center.

How do I apply for the scholarship?   [top]

The first step is to become enrolled in the IdahoSTARS Professional Development Registry. Once you have fulfilled this requirement, complete an IdahoSTARS Scholarship Application and return it to the Idaho AEYC Scholarship Office at 1471 Shoreline Dr, Suite 202, Boise, Idaho 83702.

Are there application deadlines?   [top]

To be considered for a direct payment scholarship, applicants must be officially enrolled in the IdahoSTARS Professional Development Registry and submit their scholarship application by the following dates:

• November 15^th for Spring Semester
• April 15^th for Summer Semester
• July 15^th for Fall Semester

Eligible applicants who apply after the dates listed above will be considered for a reimbursement scholarship only.

What is the difference between a direct payment scholarship and a reimbursement scholarship?   [top]

With a direct payment scholarship, IdahoSTARS pays the college/university directly for tuition. With a reimbursement scholarship, the scholarship recipient is responsible for paying their tuition directly to the college/university and may then submit receipts to IdahoSTARS for reimbursement.

What certificate/degree programs can I attend with this scholarship?   [top]

• Boise State University
  BAS in Child Care and Development
  BA in Early Childhood/Special Education

• College of Western Idaho
  CDA Credential
  AAS in Child Care and Development

• College of Southern Idaho
  CDA Credential (offered online)
  AAS & AA in Early Childhood Education and Development (both offered online)

• North Idaho College
  CDA Credential
  AS in Early Childhood

• Lewis-Clark State College
  AAS & BAS in Early Childhood Development

• Idaho State University
  CDA Credential
  AAS & BAT in Child Development
  BS in Early Childhood/Special Education

• University of Idaho
  Bachelor of Family and Consumer Science

• Treasure Valley Community College
  Bilingual AAS in Early Childhood Education (monolingual Spanish speakers only)

How much of my books and tuition would be covered by the scholarship?   [top]

A typical scholarship awarded to a center employee covers 100% of tuition and the scholar is responsible for 100% of books. The sponsoring child care program/employer is responsible for providing 8 hours of release time/month so the scholar can study for courses and a 2% raise for each three semester scholarship completed.

A typical scholarship awarded to a family child care provider covers 100% of tuition and provides for substitute care up to 8 hours/month at $7.00/hour. The scholarship recipient is responsible for 100% of books.

My center will not sponsor me; can I still receive the scholarship?   [top]

The IdahoSTARS Academic Scholarship is a partnership scholarship between IdahoSTARS, the scholarship recipient, and their sponsoring center. Each party plays an active and crucial role within the partnership. Scholarships can not be awarded to center employees who do not have the support of their center.