Wage Enhancement Stipends Program
The Wage Enhancement Stipends Program provides financial stipends to early childhood educators to supplement wages, improve job retention, and strengthen workforce stability. In addition to supporting the early learning workforce, this initiative also enhances inclusive practices, ensuring that childcare providers have the resources and training needed to support children with disabilities in high-quality learning environments.
SEE THE DATA
Why is the Wage Enhancement Stipends Program important to the community?
Fifteen percent (15%) of Early Childhood Educators (ECE) in California are at the poverty level, while 21% are near poverty level (under 150% threshold). Many work part-time jobs or are enrolled in school, making the available worker pool low since many cannot afford to work in this space. Boosting the number of full-time workers could help meet growing labor demand, but workers report family obligations and other considerations as impediments.
Source
Key Milestones
What are the key milestones of the Wage Enhancement Stipend Program?
Applications for Providers Open
February 2025
Providers Selected
March 2025
Cohort 1 Starts
September 2026
Cohort 2 Starts
“With 15% of Early Childhood Educators (ECE) in California at the poverty level and 21% near poverty level, the Wage Enhancement Stipend Program will provide incentives to retain and grow this much needed workforce.”
Serena Moore, Workforce Specialist | Program Manager – Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County