Child Care WAGE$^® FLORIDA Project

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Child Care WAGE$^® Florida Project?

The Child Care WAGE$^® Florida Project is designed to increase stability and improve child care quality by reducing turnover and encouraging continued education of child care practitioners (teachers and assistant teachers in centers and family child care homes). This program provides education based salary supplements for low to moderate wage earners who work with young children ages birth to five.

Where does the funding come from?

The Child Care WAGE$^® Florida Project is currently offered in four participating counties with funding provided by local contributors. The Children’s Forum is the licensee for Child Care WAGE$ in Florida and administers this program in participating counties in partnership with local funders.

Who is eligible to participate in the program?

Child care practitioners working directly with children for at least 10 hours per week earning less than $17.50 per hour may be eligible for a salary supplement if they have some formal child care training and/or education beyond a high school diploma.

How much can I receive through Child Care WAGE$^®?

The value of each salary supplement is determined by the level of education and the position held by the child care practitioner. For example, a teacher or family child care provider is eligible for a $450 annual supplement for possessing a national Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and can earn $1,500 per year with an AS or AAS degree in Early Childhood Education. The amount of the supplement increases as the level of education increases. Wage supplements for part-time practitioners are prorated based on a 40-hour work week.

How do I sign up to participate in the program?

Interested child care practitioners must complete the Child Care WAGE$ application and provide verification of: (1) current employment in a participating county’s eligible child care/early learning program, (2) current salary, and (3) educational credentials and/or unofficial transcripts.

When will I receive a check?

Each participant who meets the requirements for the Child Care WAGE$^® Florida Project and remains eligible will receive a supplement check in the seventh month, after the completion of a six-month commitment period. The commitment period means that the practitioner has remained continuously employed in their child care or early learning center or family child care home. The commitment period is established for each individual practitioner based on the application date, date of employment and documentation of education. The amount of the salary supplement is based on one-half of the annual award amount and reflects the schedule worked during the six-month period (part-time prorated or full-time). All payments are contingent upon funding availability.

Before checks can be issued, project staff must verify continuous employment with their employer for the preceding six months. Once approved for a supplemental payment, participants who remain in the same child care program do not need to reapply in order to receive future supplement checks. Participants who leave their place of employment must re-establish eligibility for WAGE$.

How can I increase the amount of money I receive through Child Care WAGE$^®?

Child care practitioners participating in the Child Care WAGE$^® Florida Project may increase their supplement award amounts by successfully completing additional education. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood^® Scholarship Program offers scholarships to the child care practitioners to earn credentials or degrees in early childhood education.

How can I find out more information about this program?

Contact Child Care WAGE$ at the Children’s Forum at wages@thechildrensforum.com or call toll-free (888)352-4453 or visit www.thechildrensforum.com