Murray State College has received funding to continue offering the Scholars for Excellence in Child Care program. The program provides a scholarship for a professional development pathway for child care teachers, directors and family child care home providers.

“We want to help our students get from where they are to where they want to be,” said Murray State College President Dr. Tim Faltyn. “The excellent performance of Amy McCain and Heather McLean have brought additional resources from the state to our institution.”

Murray State’s Scholar Program Coordinator Heather McLean visits local community child care facilities to recruit their staff and provide guidance in educational options to fulfill their professional goals.

The amount of funding approved is based on program production and the results of the annual program review. Students have the opportunity to attend Murray State and earn a certificate and/or associates degree in child development who otherwise wouldn’t consider a college education.

Murray State College’s Child Development degree program is Murray State’s fastest growing online program and one of the best online programs in the nation as determined by edumed.org.

“I help them apply for college and the scholarship, and walk them through the complete process of becoming a college student,” said McLean. “I continue alongside them throughout their journey at Murray State.”

The scholarship pays up to 90% of student’s tuition and fees, and 100% of their books.

“We appreciate the way in which the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education seeks partnerships to make programs like this available for our students,” said Murray State President Dr. Tim Faltyn. “We’re proud to continue the Scholars for Excellence in Child Care program and helping more child care facilities upskill their staff at Murray State.”

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) partners with the Oklahoma Human Services (DHS) to provide these program funds.