Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (TEACH)

The Florida Department of Education, Division of Early Learning, has issued a notice of intent to enter into a sole-source contract with Children's Forum, Inc. to administer the Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (TEACH) scholarship program. This program is designed to support early childhood education caregivers, administrators, and staff in obtaining professional credentials and degrees, including Child Development Associate (CDA) certifications and Associate, Bachelor, and Master degrees. The primary goal is to enhance the education, compensation, and retention of Florida's early childhood workforce. The contract is awarded on a sole-source basis because Children's Forum, Inc. has been the only licensed entity authorized to deliver the TEACH program in Florida since 1998, providing a unique capability and statutory authorization under Florida Statutes. The total estimated contract value is $68,150,000, which includes an original base of $50,000,000 and three subsequent amendments totaling $18,150,000 for fiscal years 2023/24, 2024/25, and 2025/26. The performance period spans 60 months and is effective through June 30, 2026, with all services performed statewide within Florida.