Early Childhood in Tennessee
In Tennessee, early intervention specialists are crucial in supporting young children at risk of facing poor outcomes due to disabilities, developmental delays, or challenging circumstances. Specifically, these specialists adopt a preventative approach, working closely with families and educators to tailor support for each child’s unique needs.
As a result, their efforts are aimed at improving educational and developmental outcomes, providing equitable opportunities for all children in Tennessee. Furthermore, by fostering a collaborative environment and focusing on specialized care, early intervention specialists lay a solid foundation for every child’s successful educational journey, making a significant impact on the state’s approach to early childhood education.
College Programs
Graduate Programs
Master’s Program
Financial Aid
Master’s Program
Financial Aid
Master’s Program
Financial Aid
Master’s Program
Financial Aid
Master’s Program
Financial Aid
Tennessee Technological University
East Tennessee State University
Master’s Program
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Master’s Program(Special Education)
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Master’s Program (Initial Licensure Concentration)
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Master’s Program (Research Concentration)
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Doctorate Program
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Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid
Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid
Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid
Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid
Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid
Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid
Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid
Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Tennessee Technological University
Bachelor’s Program (Integrated Pre-K)
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Bachelor’s Program (PreK-3)
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Bachelor’s Program (Early Childhood Practitioner)
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Community College Programs
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Associate’s Program (Early Childhood Education, A.A.S.)
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Associate’s Program (Online)
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Associate’s Program (Early Childhood Education Emphasis A.S.)
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Financial Aid
Associate’s Program
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Associate’s Program
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Graduate Programs
Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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Vanderbilt University
University of Memphis
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program
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Graduate Programs
Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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Master’s Program
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Belmont University
University of Tennessee Health Science Center-Memphis
Community College Programs
Associate’s Program
Financial Aid
Associate’s Program
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Associate’s Program
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Associate’s Program
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Associate’s Program
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Associate’s Program
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Associate’s Program
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Graduate Programs
Doctorate Program
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Doctorate Program
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Doctorate Program
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Doctorate Program
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Doctorate Program
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Doctorate Program
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Doctorate Program
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Doctorate Program
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Scholarships & Grants
General Scholarships & Grants
Amount: Up to $2,250
The HOPE Scholarship is primarily established and funded from the net proceeds of the state lottery. Furthermore, it is awarded to entering freshmen who enroll at an eligible postsecondary institution within sixteen (16) months after graduating from an eligible high school in Tennessee.
Tuition and required fees
The TN Reconnect Grant is available to students who are classified as independent on the FAFSA OR at least 23 years of age by January 1 of the academic year of enrollment who have not previously earned an associate degree or more advanced degree and are enrolled at least part-time in an eligible program of study.
Amount: up to $2,850
The Tennessee STEP UP Scholarship is a program specifically designed to assist students with intellectual disabilities who have completed high school and enroll in an individualized program of study of up to four years at an eligible postsecondary institution.
Amount:
Up to $250 (2yr)
Up to $750 (4yr)
The Aspire Award is a need-based supplement to the HOPE Scholarship.
Tuition and fees
The Dual Enrollment Grant program is for students who are attending an eligible high school and who are also enrolled in college courses at eligible postsecondary institutions for which they will receive college credit.
The Dual Enrollment Grant program provides opportunities for students to earn an initial technical credential or a semester of college credit free of tuition and fees, while still pursuing a high school diploma.
Amount: Up to $2,850
The HOPE Scholarship for nontraditional age students is for independent students, as determined by the FAFSA application, who have enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at an eligible four-year postsecondary institution, particularly to support those returning to education later in life.
Amount: Up to $500
The General Assembly Merit Scholarship (GAMS) is a merit-based supplement to the HOPE scholarship awarded to students beginning in their freshman year and thereafter for those who remain HOPE-eligible.
Amount: up to $4,000
The Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA) provides non-repayable financial assistance to financially needy undergraduate students who are residents of Tennessee, specifically to help them access higher education without the burden of repayment.
Tuition and required fees
Tennessee Promise is a scholarship, mentoring, and community service program that covers tuition and mandatory fees, in addition to any remaining costs not covered by the Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship, or Tennessee Student Assistance Award.
Amount: $6,000
The Ned McWherter Scholars Program encourages academically superior Tennessee high school graduates to attend college in Tennessee. Moreover, it supports the state’s broader goal of retaining top talent.
Educator Scholarships & Grants
Tuition and mandatory fees
The Tennessee Future Teacher Scholarship is a loan-scholarship program specifically intended to encourage exemplary students to enter the teaching field in Tennessee, and participation is limited to college juniors and seniors admitted to an approved educator preparation program (EPP) in a Tennessee college or university.
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.
Speech & Language Pathologist Scholarships & Grants
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.