Tuition Assistance

Get up to $5,000 per year for school!

Advance your education with the Higher Education Tuition Assistance Fund, a CCPU benefit created for family child care providers like you. This fund offers up to $5,000 per calendar year to support your learning through either reimbursement or direct sponsorship. You can use it for classes you're currently taking, planning to take, or even ones you’ve already completed, as long as they fall between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024 and meet the requirements below. If you’ve already paid out of pocket for eligible courses, reimbursement is available to help offset those costs.

The Higher Education Tuition Assistance Fund is your gateway to diverse courses tailored for family child care providers and many different types of courses can be covered. Examples include foundational courses like:

  • Child Development Foundations of Early Childhood Child Behavior

  • Family and Community Relationships

  • Business Development Courses

  • Business Management 101

  • Introduction to Accounting and Finance

  • Digital Marketing

  • and More!

Questions? Email: PRC@ccpuca.org

You Have Options!

We understand that prerequisite courses are just as important. The Tuition Assistance benefit also covers accredited classes in English as a Second Language (ESL), GED preparation, and computer skills (such as basic computer use and software).

In addition, you can receive up to $300 to help pay for course-related expenses. This includes things like placement or testing fees, translation of diplomas and transcripts, and required books or materials.

To qualify for these additional expenses, you’ll need documentation from the school—such as a syllabus or an official letter on school letterhead—that shows the materials or services are required for your course.

The Higher Education Tuition Assistance Fund is here to support every part of your educational journey.

A PROCESS OVERVIEW

Group of women, all of whom are child care providers seated together at rectangular tables listening to a seminar with a female speaker with a display monitor and windows behind her

6 Steps to Obtaining Tuition Assistance

1

Meet the Eligibility Criteria

- Must be Licensed or licensed-exempt

- Have cared for at least one subsidized child at any point within the past 12 months and be willing to offer care to subsidized children

- Find classes in Early Childhood Education, Business Development, ESL, GED, Computer, or prerequisite requirements

- The school you want to attend must be an accredited California-based higher education institution

Providers in California seated in a bright room listening to a presentation by a woman standing in front of a colorful mural

2

Identify a Program

- You can use the the California Community Colleges website to assist with locating a program near you!

- Please make sure your program or certificate is coursework related to Early Childhood Education or Business Development

young brunette child care worker and others seated alongside her listening intently while seated at conference tables

3

Apply to the Institution

- You can apply to the institution via the college’s website or contact the college to get information on applying

Child Care Providers United workshop with many providers seated at colorful conference tables listening and taking notes while in attendance at a training

4

Register for Courses

- Connect with your institution’s Admissions Department and/or an Academic Counselor for support

Group of child care workers smiling and seated at tables with colorful table cloths attentively watching a presentation

5

Apply for Tuition Assistance

- Apply by filling out this application

- Reimbursement is for out-of-pocket payments; Sponsorship goes directly to the school

- Please ensure you submit the required documents which are also listed on our website

diverse group of child care workers seated together, smiling and gazing ahead

6

Get Awarded!

- The funds will be sent to your school or directly to you via bill.com or physical check. Now your fees are paid!

Reimbursement

Reimbursement for tuition assistance ensures a hassle-free process whereby funds are paid directly to the family child care provider as a reimbursement. Reimbursements can be provided for coursework dating back to January 1st 2022 for a maximum amount of $5,000 per calendar year. Rest easy knowing that your educational journey is backed by this dedicated support. Submitting appropriate documentation for sponsorship is straightforward and can include various proofs for a smooth and efficient process. Appropriate documentation for reimbursement can include, but is not limited to:

  • Proof of course payment/cost of the course from institution

  • Any other relevant/supporting documentation for course(s) taken at an accredited CA educational institution.

  • A document to verify you have cared for at least one subsidized child within the past 12 months. For example: attendance sheet, child care schedule, or payment summary from the organization managing the subsidy.

  • Your course schedule per term OR unofficial transcript. We need to verify course eligibility (course enrollment, course titles and course dates).

  • A syllabus or another form of documentation for any course-related expenses you’ve paid for out of pocket. At this time, there must be documentation for the institution that specifies the need for additional expenses (syllabus, letter from the school on school letterhead which details which course materials needed, etc.)

Sponsorship

Sponsorship is tuition assistance funds that will be paid directly to the educational institution offering the course(s) on behalf of the family child care provider. Sponsorship is available for course work that occurs in 2023 and beyond. The maximum sponsorship amount is $5,000 per calendar year. Appropriate documentation for sponsorship can include, but is not limited to:

  • Student ID# Bursar

  • Student Account Statement or Student Bill

  • Cashier’s office contact information

  • A document to verify you have cared for at least one subsidized child within the past twelve months (for example: attendance sheet, child care schedule, or payment summary from the organization managing the subsidy).

  • Your course schedule per term or unofficial transcript. We need to verify course eligibility (course enrollment, course titles and course dates).

    * Please note, For Sponsorships, we will mail a tuition/fees check directly to your school on your behalf. Sponsorship payment can take thirty to forty-five business days after an application is approved. We recommend you submit your Sponsorship application at least sixty days prior to your course payment due date.

Courses

Many different types of courses can be covered. Course examples include: Child Development Foundations of Early Childhood Child Behavior, Family and Community Relationships, Business Development Courses, Business Management 101, Introduction to Accounting and Finance and Digital Marketing.

Accredited prerequisite education courses are also applicable such as: English as a Second Language, Computer courses (i.e. classes on computer use, knowledge, etc) and GED.

The fund can also pay for course-related expenses. The maximum benefit of course related expenses is $300. Examples of course-related expenses included:

  • Testing/placement fees related to accessing college coursework

  • Translation of diplomas and transcripts from other schools books

Apply Here!

Apply in English
Apply in Spanish
Apply in Arabic

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to common queries to help navigate your educational journey. Here, we provide clarity on key aspects, ensuring you make informed decisions on your path to growth and learning.

We are proudly partnered with:

UCLA Extension offers in-person and online courses in a wide range of subjects—from Accounting & Finance to Child Development. It’s a public continuing education institution based in Los Angeles, known for its flexible course formats and reputable instructors.

Key Benefits:

  • Broad selection of relevant courses

  • Flexible scheduling (online and/or in-person)

  • University-backed certification and continuing education credits

*Please Note: Eligible Family Child Care Providers must be licensed or licensed-exempt AND cared for at least one subsidized child within the last 12 months.

UCLA Extension

Program Overview:

    • Eligible Family Child Care Providers must be licensed or licensed-exempt AND cared for at least one subsidized child within the last 12 months.

    • Visit UCLA Extension to explore eligible courses in Accounting & Finance, Business, Child Development, Communications, Education, Legal Studies, Mathematics, and Writing.

    • For assistance with academic advising and support, please email advising@uclaextension.eduwith 'SEIU' in the subject line. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment directly through this link.

    • Submit our Tuition Assistance Sponsorship Applicationfor UCLA Extension to request funding.

    • A Tuition Assistance Coordinator will contact you directly with the next steps and guide you through course enrollment.

  • If you already have a UCLA Extension profile, you will need to associate that profile with our CCPU Training Fund group. Here are the instructions for associating your profile with our group. 

    • Log in to the Student Portal (If you do not remember your password, please use the forgot password button on the log-in page to generate an email with a link to create a new password)

    • Once logged in, select My Profile from the left-side menu

    • Once in your profile, either click Group Affiliations from the left-side menu or scroll down on the profile until you see Group Associations

    • Enter the Group # for SEIU (G003641) and click Add Group. Here is documentation to help.

    • Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the Save button.

Get Started with UCLA Extension:

EDvance provides an online Early Childhood Studies Bachelor’s Degree program specifically for Bay Area residents. If you’re looking to earn a degree that directly supports your work in early childhood education, EDvance may be the perfect fit.

Key Benefits:

  • Fully online bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies

  • Multilingual degree pathways (English and Spanish)

  • Credit for working in the classroom

  • Comprehensive support for working providers

*Please Note: This program is only available for Bay Area providers.

Program Overview:

    • There are 3 entry level admissions - Lower Division: 12 units (Core 4) or Associate Teacher permit + High school diploma/GED; General Education: 44-60 semester units + High school diploma/GED; Upper Division: 60 semester units or 72 quarter hour credits + High school diploma/GED.

    • This program is only available for Bay Area providers.

    • Visit the Get Started Webpage to explore their Early Childhood Studies Education Bachelor’s Degree program.

  • Please Note: while the Spring EDvance cohort is full, we welcome you to check back in advance of the fall semester or learn about accessing funds through Sponsorship or Reimbursement below.

Get Started with EDvance College:

ed2go partners with many accredited colleges across California—such as Mt. San Jacinto College, Merced College, and more—to offer diverse online courses. It’s an excellent option if you’re seeking flexible, self-paced learning opportunities in various subject areas.

Key Benefits:

  • Wide range of online courses in multiple subject areas

  • Flexible start dates and self-paced study

  • Partnered with accredited institutions across California

*Please Note: Eligible Family Child Care Providers must be licensed or licensed-exempt AND cared for at least one subsidized child within the last 12 months.

Program Overview:

    • Eligible Family Child Care Providers must be licensed or licensed-exempt AND cared for at least one subsidized child within the last 12 months.

    • Select any course you’re interested in and click “Request Info” to share your contact details. An ed2go representative will guide you through enrollment.

Get Started with ed2go:

MiraCosta College will offer 12 units in Child Development during 2025. These foundational courses, offered exclusively in Spanish, will help lay the groundwork for advanced Early Childhood Education studies.

Key Benefits:

  • Courses delivered entirely in Spanish

  • 12-unit foundational Child Development curriculum

  • Ideal for providers looking to build or enhance early childhood expertise

*Please Note: Eligible Family Child Care Providers must be licensed or licensed-exempt AND cared for at least one subsidized child within the last 12 months.

Program Overview:

  • The MiraCosta cohort is an annual program starting each January with the ability to learn more and enroll between August and December each year.

    • Please Note: Eligible Family Child Care Providers must be licensed or licensed-exempt AND cared for at least one subsidized child within the last 12 months.

    • The MiraCosta program will only be offered exclusively in Spanish and will provide 12 units total in Child Development during 2025.

    • The 12 units in Child Development form the foundation upon which further Early Childhood Education coursework is built.

    • The Child Development courses with the MiraCosta College cohort most likely are:

    • CHLD 105 Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children

    • CHLD 112 Child Growth and Development

    • CHLD 111 Programs for Infants and Toddlers

    • CHLD 106 Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood

    • CHLD 210 Child, Family, and Community

    • The application for MiraCosta’s 2025 cohort isn’t open yet. Check back soon or subscribe to our email list to stay informed.

    • Once applications open, apply to join the MiraCosta cohort, and then submit your Tuition Assistance application.

Get Started with MiraCosta College:

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

    • Providers must be a licensed or licensed-exempt provider.

    • Must have had a subsidized child within the past twelve months or between Jan. 1, 2022 – Dec. 31, 2024.

    • Must be willing to offer care to subsidized children Education sought must be professional development related to and in service of work as a Family Child Care provider; the content covered must be applicable to early childhood education or a business development. We will request context regarding applicability to the work of child care from applicants.

    • Education must be taken at accredited: CA public community colleges, CA State Universities, Universities of CA or private non-profit colleges. We hope to add additional adult education schools in the future.

  • Yes! If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to apply.

  • Child care providers must have cared for a subsidized child and/or children in the past twelve months or between Jan. 1, 2022 – Dec. 31, 2024 to qualify for reimbursement. Furthermore, child care providers must be currently willing and able to offer care to subsidized children.

  • You do not need to be currently enrolled or accepted into a school or program to be eligible for tuition assistance sponsorship. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have the desire to start higher education, we encourage you to apply.

  • Yes you can. You are eligible to receive tuition assistance with awards totaling $5,000 per calendar year.

  • Yes, you can apply for reimbursement for courses taken in 2022 or 2023, if you are no longer enrolled, but were able to complete the course(s) and/or graduated from your program.

  • Yes, this is a separate scholarship funded by the CCPU Training Fund and you are encouraged to apply.

  • Yes, the program must be taken at an accredited CA public community college, CA State University, Universities of CA, or private non-profit colleges. Accredited prerequisite education courses are also applicable.

  • Yes, the program must be professional development related to your work as a family child care provider. This can include business, education, psychology courses and in service of work as a Family Child Care provider.

  • No you do not need to be a union member in order to qualify for this benefit.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Yes, if you need assistance to enroll in a higher education course, we would be happy to assist you. Please reach out to PRC@ccpuca.org so we can schedule an appointment with you.

  • The tuition assistance award can be used for tuition and can cover additional expenses for things like transcript requests, books, and other course requirements. Within the $5,000, an individual can request up to $300 to cover such expenses.

  • Tuition paid for in 2022 and beyond, as well as, course materials.

  • To successfully apply for tuition assistance, you will want to have documentation that clearly indicates:

    • Course information Dates of when course/class was taken

    • Course payment or cost of the course from the institution

    • Evidence of course requirements such as books, transcripts, etc.

    • Registration Link

    • Student ID#

    • Bursar/Cashier’s office contact information

  • Yes, you can reapply if you meet all the eligibility requirements and provide the appropriate documentation.

  • The technical support portion of the fund will become available in Spring 2023. We will send out announcements via email, post on our website and share on social media platforms once it is available.

  • No, you do not have to submit an essay. There are some write-in questions within the application that will help provide us with more information.

  • No, you do not have to fill out a FAFSA form for this tuition assistance program.

  • The Tuition Assistance program is for any member enrolled or planning to enroll in a CA accredited higher education program as it relates to the work as a Family Child Care Provider. This can include prerequisite education, continuing education, undergraduate, graduate, or PhD programs.

  • We are able to pay for courses taken towards a certification program, as long as it is from an accredited higher education institution (public, private, state, community colleges, and trade schools) and applies to your work as a family child care provider.

  • If your conference costs are a course-related expense, you can request up to $300 to cover these costs.

  • No, there are no part time or full time restrictions for eligibility.

  • Yes, you are eligible for tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 in that scenario.

  • No, this program is for all CCPU bargaining unit members and will not cover dependents.

RECEIVING THE REWARD

  • If your application for tuition assistance is approved, the following steps will take place:

    You will be notified by the CCPU Training Fund via email or mail. We will be in contact if we need further information that is required, such as a Student ID number, school information, etc.

    For sponsorship:

    • We will contact the educational institution to inform them of the award. We will then send a check in the appropriate amount to the educational institution.

    For reimbursement:

    • We will send you the necessary forms to begin the payment process so you will get your full reimbursement in a timely manner.

  • It can take between 30-60 business days to hear back on your award status. If you have not received any communication within this timeframe, please email us at PRC@ccpuca.org

  • The tuition assistance fund cannot reimburse for tuition that was paid by financial aid, such as student loans, grants and scholarships. Only out-of-pocket tuition payments are eligible; such as payments made by debit card, credit card, checking account and electronic check, or payments made in-person at your campus with a money order, check or cash.

  • We understand that there may be discrepancies with our records. Please email PRC@ccpuca.org with proof of you having cared for a subsidized child(ren) within the past 12 months. We will review the documents you provided and reopen your application to be processed if we see that you’ve provided care for subsidized children.

  • At this time, the Tuition Assistance Fund is for in-home providers (owners of child care businesses) not for center-based providers (providing child care/teaching within a center). If you decide to open an in-home child care business in the future, we encourage you to re-apply in the future

A BRIGHT FUTURE AWAITS

Embark on a transformative educational journey with the Higher Education Tuition Access Fund – your key to unlocking a world of opportunities. As early child care providers, your dedication to shaping young minds is acknowledged, celebrated and encouraged through our financial support. Whether through reimbursement or sponsorship, we're here to uplift your commitment to education. Your path to growth is not limited– let the Higher Education Tuition Access Fund inspire and propel you towards new horizons and opportunities.

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