Early Childhood in Georgia

In Georgia, early intervention specialists play a crucial role in supporting young children who face risks due to disabilities, developmental delays, or challenging home environments. Specifically, they intervene early—during the most critical period of brain development—to foster learning, growth, and overall well-being.

Rather than waiting for issues to escalate, these professionals take a preventative, family-centered approach. By doing so, they work closely with families and educators to design personalized plans that address each child’s unique needs in communication, motor skills, and social-emotional development.

As a result, early intervention enhances relationships between families and support teams, allowing children to flourish in their natural environments—whether at home, in childcare settings, or within the community. Additionally, this collaborative approach enables caregivers to develop skills through everyday routines, ensuring that progress remains sustainable over time.

Consequently, these efforts result in improved long-term outcomes in school readiness, behavior, and academic performance. Furthermore, by providing equitable access to specialized support, early intervention specialists create opportunities for all children in Georgia to realize their full potential.

In conclusion, their work lays the groundwork for a more responsive and effective early childhood system. For example, you can join this essential profession. Then, visit ECIPC’s early intervention careers page to find education programs, training opportunities, and grant resources in your area.

College Programs

Graduate Programs

University of Georgia

Master’s Program(ME.d.)
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Master’s Program(M.A.T.)
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Doctorate Program
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Financial Aid

University of West Georgia

Master’s Program(ME.d.)
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Master’s Program(M.A.T.)
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Financial Aid

Georgia Southern University

Master’s Program(ME.d.)
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Master’s Program(M.A.T.)
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Financial Aid

Certifications

South Georgia Technical College

Certification
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Diploma
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Financial Aid

Georgia State University

Certification (Birth Through Five)
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Certification (Dual Immersion Early Childhood Education Endorsement)
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Financial Aid

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Diploma
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Certification (Early Childhood Care and Education Basics)
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Certification (Early Childhood Program Administration)
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Financial Aid

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Diploma
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Certification (Early Childhood Care and Education Basics)
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Certification (Early Childhood Exceptionalities)
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Certification (Early Childhood Program Administration)
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Certification (Infant / Toddler Child Care Specialist)
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Financial Aid

Graduate Programs

University of Georgia

Master’s Program
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Doctorate Program
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Financial Aid

Georgia State University

Master’s Program
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Doctorate Program
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Financial Aid

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Graduate Programs

Master’s Program
Financial Aid

Master’s Program
Financial Aid

Brenau University, North Atlanta-Norcross Campus

Master’s Program
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Doctorate Program
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Financial Aid

Community College Programs

Associate’s Program
Financial Aid

Scholarships & Grants

General Scholarships & Grants

Georgia’s HOPE Grant offers financial assistance to eligible resident students pursuing a certificate or degree at one of the state’s community colleges or four-year universities. Importantly, applicants may attend either full-time or part-time, but they must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 to remain eligible. Each year, more than 170,000 grants are awarded to deserving students across Georgia. In addition, final award amounts vary based on financial need, course of study, and total cost of attendance.

Amount: $366 per quarter or $550 per semester

The Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant Program (GTEG) helps Georgia residents afford eligible private colleges within the state by providing financial assistance to offset educational costs. In addition, it encourages students to consider private institutions as a viable pathway to higher education.

The Accelerated Career Education (ACE) Grant Program provides financial assistance to Georgia public high school students in grades 10 through 12 who are pursuing high school graduation through the Georgia Department of Education’s Accelerated Career Diploma (ACD). Specifically, through this program, eligible students can enroll at a Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institution to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree, a diploma, a program leading to licensure, or two technical certificates within the same or closely related field from the High Demand Career List.

In addition, ACE Grant funding pays for standard tuition, waives mandatory fees, and covers the cost of required books for up to 15 semester hours per term.

As a result, students gain the opportunity to advance their education and career readiness without the financial barriers typically associated with college-level coursework.

Amount: up to $2,500

The Georgia College Completion Grant (GCCG) provides financial assistance to eligible students at participating postsecondary institutions. Specifically, it supports those who are facing a funding gap for their educational expenses. As a result, this grant helps students stay on track to complete their programs without interruption due to financial hardship.

To qualify, students must:

  • Have completed at least 80% of the credit requirements toward graduation in their enrolled certificate, diploma, or undergraduate program of study.

  • Owe their institution an outstanding balance of direct costs for the current term.

Grant awards are determined by program requirements as well as the availability of allocated funds at eligible institutions. Specifically, these include the University System of Georgia (USG), the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), and eligible private non-profit postsecondary institutions in Georgia.

Qualifying REACH Scholars receive a financial scholarship upon graduating from high school, thereby helping them take the next step toward higher education.

Moreover, REACH Georgia is a need-based mentoring and scholarship program that empowers promising students by providing the guidance, encouragement, and financial support they need to graduate from high school and succeed in postsecondary education.

Tuition and general mandatory fees

Georgia’s Dual Enrollment Program offers eligible students in public, private, or home study high schools in Georgia the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously by taking courses at a participating postsecondary institution in the state.

General Scholarships & Grants

To begin with, colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid. As a result, assistance may include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

In order to remain eligible, applicants must submit the FAFSA each year to maintain their financial aid status.

Specifically, the Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an estimate of how much aid a student may receive. In detail, these estimates are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI). Then, officials use this figure to determine federal student aid eligibility.

To begin with, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans as federal student loans. In particular, ED designed these loans to help eligible students cover the cost of higher education.

For example, students may use this financial support to pay for expenses related to attending a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school.

A federal grant for undergraduate students with financial need.

Initially, direct PLUS Loans help cover education expenses that other financial aid does not pay for. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Education offers these loans to eligible graduate or professional students. In addition, they are available through schools that participate in the Direct Loan Program.

Firstly, this grant supports undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Specifically, the financial assistance office at each participating school administers it directly.

However, it is important to note that not all schools take part in this program.

Specifically, the program offers students part-time employment opportunities while they attend school. Moreover, it is open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who demonstrate financial need. Additionally, both full-time and part-time students are eligible to participate.

Moreover, participating schools administer the program and place a strong emphasis on civic education-related jobs. In particular, it prioritizes work connected to your course of study or civic engagement, whether on campus or in the community.

Educator Scholarships & Grants

Amount: $17,500

You may receive up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness if you were a highly qualified special education teacher at the elementary or secondary level. Accordingly, your primary responsibility was providing special education to children with disabilities.

Moreover, you must have taught students with disabilities that align with your area of special education training. In addition, you must have demonstrated strong knowledge and teaching skills in the curriculum areas you taught.

Amount: $4,000/yr

The TEACH Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per year in grants. In particular, it supports students who are completing or planning to complete the coursework required to start a career in teaching.

Educator Career Development Grants

Amount: Up to $500
The Association of American Educators provides grants and scholarships for teachers. Specifically, grants can be used to purchase classroom supplies. Meanwhile, scholarships are available to support professional development.

The McCarthey-Dressman Education Foundation offers academic enrichment grants and teacher development grants.

Supports professional development projects that directly and significantly benefit teachers’ students. However, application requirements vary by state.

Offers grants for teachers. These grants help fund participation in professional development programs, including summer institutes, conferences, seminars, travel abroad, and action research.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program helps U.S.-based educators bring international perspectives to their schools.

Specifically, it funds a one-year professional learning opportunity and an international exchange that lasts a few weeks.

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation awards grants to individual teachers and groups of teachers.

They support the integration of innovative pedagogical strategies that promote critical inquiry.

Furthermore, such interventions should include observations on how these strategies impact students.

To help students in the education field afford higher education, the sponsor offers financial support.

They believe educators have the power to spark positive change in students’ lives and shape their futures. Applicants must be current college students majoring in education.

Classroom Grants

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Arts Fund supports art education at all levels.

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Social-Emotional Wellness Fund supports teachers in addressing their students’ social-emotional wellness.

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Inclusive Classroom Fund provides educators with the supplies they need to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Racial Equity in Schools Fund supports students and teachers of color by providing flexible funding for essential resources.

This includes multicultural books, professional development opportunities, school supplies, and financial support for equity-focused initiatives.

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The STEM Fund supports science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives.

Amount: Up to $5,000

This program offers grants for K–12 educators to fund large special projects in their classrooms. Importantly, there are no restrictions on the project subject. However, each project must benefit more than fifteen students.

Amount: Up to $1,000
The P. Buckley Moss Foundation offers funding for art supplies, with a special focus on students who learn differently.

Amount: $2,000 to $25,000
Sponsored by Voya Financial, the Voya Unsung Heroes awards fund effective and innovative projects that improve student learning.

Amount: Two large supply boxes

Each teacher served will receive two large boxes of core school supplies. These supplies are designed to last for at least one semester. Each box includes pencils, pencil pouches, folders, notebooks, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, and pens.

In addition, items are tailored to grade level. For example, younger grades receive crayons and markers, while older students get highlighters and colored pencils.

Amount: up to $750
The grant will provide funds for materials, equipment, and other resources. In particular, it supports projects that would otherwise not be covered by the school’s budget.

Amount: $500
AAE Foundation grants can be used for books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials.

They may also cover other approved supplies or projects. However, funds must be spent within one year of the application deadline.

Teachers post their needs on the Donors Choose website and donors—both private individuals and big-name retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy—decide which requests to fund.

The purpose of the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities (ETechM2) Program is to improve outcomes for children with disabilities.

It does this by (1) promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology, and (2) supporting educational activities designed to provide value in the classroom.

In addition, it (3) funds captioning and video description suitable for classroom use, and (4) ensures children with disabilities receive accessible educational materials in a timely manner.

Amount: $500.00
The Special Education Resource Grants Program has delivered numerous benefits. As a result, it provides teachers with valuable resources to help students maximize their skills. In many cases, these resources have enabled students to read, write, and even speak for the first time.

Amount: $1,000
The Awesome Foundation is a global community dedicated to promoting creativity and innovation.

Founded during the long summer days of 2009 in Boston, the foundation awards $1,000 grants—no strings attached—to support unique projects and their creators. At each chapter, funds are pooled from around ten self-organizing “micro-trustees.”

These contributions are then given directly to recipients in cash, check, or even gold doubloons.