In 2019, the Arkansas Early Childhood Association launched T.E.A.C.H., the Teacher Education and Compensation Helps Early Childhood ® Scholarship Program. Through T.E.A.C.H., early childhood educators receive scholarships and paid time off to take classes to obtain certificates and degrees. They also receive a bonus upon completion of their scholarship contract. Current partner colleges include the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, University of Arkansas Community College Batesville, University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton, University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College, University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology – McGehee, University of Arkansas at Monticello – Crossett, Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, and Northwest Arkansas Community College. T.E.A.C.H. began with 16 students in the spring 2020 semester. This fall, 50 are enrolled.  Nearly  half work in infant and toddler classrooms,  where the need for quality improvements are the greatest. The majority of those enrolled in the program work for centers that have a Better Beginnings rating that is below 3 stars. This additional training will help those centers increase the quality of their care.