The Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Program awards scholarships to eligible child care professionals to complete coursework in the area of child development or early childhood education. This scholarship enables child care teachers/providers to improve their skills through education, and continue the availability of quality child care in local communities. 

This scholarship is a partnership between the teacher/family child care provider, child care center, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education administers the scholarship program that helps students pay for tuition and books. There are Scholar coordinators at Oklahoma community colleges to recruit child care professionals who would not attend college without the additional assistance of the Scholars program. The coordinator assists and supports child care teachers seeking a credential, certificate or associates degree in early childhood education.