1. (a) In this section, "program" means the professional development scholarship program established under this section.
2. (b) From funds appropriated for the purpose, the commission shall establish and administer a professional development scholarship program for current and prospective child-care workers.

3. (c) A scholarship under the program may be used to pay an individual's costs related to:

   1. (1) earning:

      1. (A) a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; or
      2. (B) an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or another related field from a public or private institution of higher education; and
   2. (2) participation in a registered child-care apprenticeship program.

4. (d) The program may be used to pay for other ancillary costs for child-care workers who are enrolled in an educational program or apprenticeship program described by Subsection (c), including:

   1. (1) books and supplies;
   2. (2) release time or stipends to attend classes;
   3. (3) costs related to the examination for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential;
   4. (4) travel to attend classes or attend a hands-on practicum training; and
   5. (5) stipends for mentors or master teachers who provide hands-on training at a child-care program.

Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 413 (H.B. 1615), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.