Early Childhood Education and Training Program

The Professional Development Program is pleased to announce a special videoconference on December 10, 2009. Registration for “Child Abuse and Maltreatment: Indicators and Reporting” is now available online and via fax.

SEP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does SEP pay for?

Eligible applicants may access up to $2,000 per year for college-credit courses and mandatory college fees, $840 of which may be used per year for non-college credit courses, non-credit distance learning classes, conferences and workshops. Applicants living in the five boroughs of New York City as well as Nassau, Putman, Rockland, Westchester, and Suffolk counties may access an additional $1, 000 for college-credit courses.

How much am I eligible for?

Your scholarship is based on your income and the type of training you choose. You may be eligible to receive 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of your course cost up to a maximum of $2,000 per SEP Year. Applicants living in Nassau, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester counties and the five boroughs of New York City may access an additional $1,000 for college credit courses offered by accredited colleges and universities.

Are there award limits based on the type of training I choose?

Yes. Non-college credit courses have an award maximum of $28 per hour of training. Applicants can access up to $840 of their total $2,000 eligibility per year for non-college credit courses, non-credit distance learning classes, conferences, and workshops. Applicants living in the five boroughs of New York City as well as Nassau, Putman, Rockland, Westchester, and Suffolk counties may access an additional $1, 000 for college-credit courses.

How do I find out if the training organization I've selected participates in SEP?

The SEP program is a division of the Educational Incentive Program (EIP). If a training organization participates in EIP they’re also approved for SEP.

Contact the college or training organization directly or visit our searchable list of participating training organizations.

Who receives the scholarship money?

All scholarship award payments are made directly to the education/training organization.

How long does it take to process my application?

Online applications are generally processed within 2-3 weeks from the date your signed Agreement and 1040 are received in our office. The signed Agreement and 1040 may be faxed or mailed to the SEP office upon completion of your online application.

How long does it take for payment?

Please allow 10 weeks from the date SEP receives your signed scholarship award for payment to be made to the college or training organization.

What forms do I need to send in?

To complete the application process you must submit a signed online application agreement and your most recent federal tax return form 1040.

What is the SEP scholarship process?

  1. Go to http://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu/ and select “Apply” and follow the SEP links.
  2. Complete all information.
  3. Print and sign the Agreement.
  4. Fax or mail the signed Agreement and a copy of your most recent IRS form 1040 to SEP within 2 weeks.
  5. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing.
  6. Scholarship results will be mailed to your home address.
  7. You sign the Award Notification and submit it to the college or training organization.
  8. The college or training organization completes and mails the Award Notification to EIP/SEP for payment.
  9. SEP processes a check payable to the education/training organization on your behalf. Allow at least 10 weeks from the date SEP receives a completed award notification for payment to be sent.

Why does the SEP Scholarship Award say “2008 EIP Award Notification”?

SEP is part of the Educational Incentive Program (EIP). All awards and correspondence with applicants will be issued by EIP.

Will SEP reimburse me if I have already paid for my course?

No. It is your responsibility to know the refund policy of the college or training organization. All SEP scholarship award payments go directly to the college or training organization.

What should I do if my course is cancelled after I receive the Award Notification?

Mark the award “COURSE CANCELLED” and return the Award Notification to the SEP office.

Why is the type of training printed on EIP (SEP) award notifications?

Each SEP scholarship displays the type of course or training beneath the course title. This allows both the training organization and the award recipient to verify the name and type of training for which they are accepting the SEP scholarship. When the training organization and the awardee sign the award and return it to SEP for payment, they are attesting that all the award information is correct. Like any other information on the award, if any information on the award is not correct, the training organization and/or the awardee must notify SEP before redeeming the award.

What if I decide not to take the course or I do not complete it?

The signed Agreement of the submitted SEP online Application requires you to notify SEP if you do not complete the course(s).

Are SEP awards considered income by the IRS?

SEP awards may be considered income by the IRS. Each case will be different. Check with your tax advisor or the IRS for clarification of your situation. Federal tax reporting regulations require the Research Foundation of SUNY to report certain awards dollars paid on behalf of individual awardees in a given calendar year. You are solely responsible for all local, state, and federal taxes.

Can homework or other assignments be included in the number of training hours per class?

No. SEP may only provide scholarship assistance for actual hours spent in the classroom. Hours spent completing homework or other assignments outside of the class cannot be compensated.

How can I contact SEP?

Information Line and Translation Service: 1-518-443-5940 or 1-800-295-9616
Email: eip@pdp.albany.edu
US Mail Delivery: Scholarship Enrichment Program/EIP
22 Corporate Woods Blvd., 3rd Floor
Albany, NY 12211

Do not mail your applications UPS or FedEx. The above address is for US mail only.

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