The DC LEAD program provides scholarships to eligible child care staff who attend partner institutions of higher education (IHEs) and follow an early childhood education (ECE) program of study, or a closely related field, leading to conferral of an associate or bachelor’s degree in ECE to meet the minimum education requirements for their staff type.
As of December 2023, teachers in child development centers and expanded home caregivers are required to have, at minimum, an associate degree in ECE, an associate degree in any field with at least 12 credit hours in ECE or 60 hours of college coursework with at least 12 credit hours in ECE. Center directors are required to have at minimum a bachelor’s degree in ECE or a bachelors’ degree in any field with at least 12-credit hours in ECE.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) anticipates that scholars participating in DC LEAD will emerge as educators who understand research-based best practices that support young children’s development. This grant opportunity aligns with OSSE’s Start Early priority in OSSE’s 2023-2025 strategic plan to invest in the early learning workforce.
Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Request for Applications (RFA)
The DC LEAD grant will be available through a competitive process. Eligible applicants must demonstrate expertise in ECE, knowledge of existing scholarship programs in DC and previous experience providing financial management and monitoring of scholarships or other awards provided to the local community.
The total funding available for delivering the DC LEAD program is up to $4.5 million per year for each of the five years of the grant. OSSE reserves the right to issue more than one award for this funding opportunity. OSSE maintains the right to adjust the grant award and amount based on funding availability. Successful applicants may be awarded amounts less than requested.
Application Submission Opening Date
The DC LEAD program grant application opens May 22, 2024. The application will be available through OSSE’s Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS). All applicants must be registered vendors in EGMS to access the application.
Pre-Application Webinar
Interested applicants are encouraged to participate in the pre-application webinar on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 10 a.m. To attend the pre-application webinar, please register here by Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
Application Submission Closing Date
Applications are due no later than 3 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024. Applications must be submitted through EGMS. Late applications will not be accepted.
Agency Contact
For questions related to the DC LEAD program grant, contact:
Regina Wesley
Management Analyst, Workforce Development and Enhancement
OSSE Division of Early Learning
(202) 455-1721
Email Address: [email protected]
A’ngelia McDuffie
Management Analyst
OSSE Division of Early Learning
Phone: (202) 714-1769
Email: [email protected]