REAP Scholarship
Retaining Early Educators As Professionals (REAP) helps Nashville early educators afford care for their own children, so skilled teachers can stay in the classroom.
Why REAP
Keeping Great Teachers in Nashville Classrooms
Early educators care for Nashville's youngest children, yet many struggle to afford care for their own. When childcare costs take a large share of a paycheck, experienced teachers leave the field.
REAP lowers what an educator pays for their own child's care at the center where they work, so they can afford to stay. Launched in 2026 as a one-year pilot, REAP is building the evidence for long-term investment in Nashville's early childhood workforce.
Round One
First-Round Recipients
The pilot's first round of scholarships runs September 2026 through August 2027.
8
Childcare providers
23
Early educators supported
30
Educators' children in care
669
Children taught by these educators
$370K+
Awarded in scholarships
How It Works
Simple Support That Follows the Educator
1
Educators apply
Full-time educators at eligible Davidson County providers apply for a scholarship for their own young child.
2
Providers confirm
The educator's employer confirms their role and their child's enrollment.
3
Tuition goes down
NEEC pays the provider each quarter, and the educator's weekly tuition drops.
Our Funders
REAP Is Made Possible By
REAP is part of the Nashville Childcare Opportunity Fund, housed at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and managed by NEEC.
Round Two
Applications Are Open
Eligible educators can apply for themselves through December 1, 2026.