Section 329.181 - Scholarship and grant programs for early childhood care and education; rules(1) As used in this section, "early childhood care and education" includes early childhood behavioral and mental health services.(2) The Higher Education Coordinating Commission and the Department of Early Learning and Care shall jointly administer a scholarship program and a grant program designed to ensure that there is an adequate supply of highly qualified early childhood care and education professionals in this state.(3) The commission and department shall collaborate to approve degree programs for which a scholarship may be awarded under this section.(4) A person is eligible to receive a scholarship under this section if the person: (a) Enrolls in a program approved under subsection (3) of this section;(b) Enrolls in a minimum of six credits, or the equivalent, per term;(c) Files a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the state equivalent; and(d) Accepts all state and federal aid grants, institutional aid grants and scholarships made available to the person.(5) A person remains eligible to receive a scholarship under this section if the person: (a) Remains in good academic standing; and(b) Has not received the scholarship for the equivalent of four years of full-time study.(6) The commission and department may prioritize a person currently employed in a position in the field of early childhood care and education for receiving a scholarship under this section.(7) An institution of higher education may receive a one-time grant under this section to develop high-quality degree programs for early childhood care and education professionals.(8) The Early Learning Council and the commission may adopt rules necessary to implement the scholarship program and grant program administered as provided by this section. Rules may provide for:(a) The reduction of the costs of the programs in the event amounts requested under the programs exceed amounts available for the programs.(b) An award methodology for scholarships that takes into consideration state and federal aid grants, institutional aid grants and scholarships received by a person.Amended by 2023 Ch. 609, § 2, eff. 8/4/2023.Amended by 2023 Ch. 609, § 1, eff. 8/4/2023.