Child Care WAGE$® Program

Child Care WAGE$® Program

Geographic Scope: North Carolina (statewide)

Overview: The Child Care WAGE$® Program is a salary supplement initiative offered throughout North Carolina as a collaboration between local Smart Start partnerships, the North Carolina Partnership for Children, and the Division of Child Development and Early Education.

Key Information:

Program is offered through Smart Start partnerships

Counties using Smart Start funding can participate at any time

New Smart Start partnerships interested in participation are welcome to inquire

Eligibility:

Must work at least 10 hours per week with children birth to 5 years old

Work as an early childhood educator (employee, family child care educator, or facility owner)

Must meet income verification and educational requirements

Focus Areas:

Salary supplements for early childhood educators

Education and professional development support

Workforce retention and compensation

Contact Information

Phone: 919-967-3272 Mailing Address: Early Years, Attn: WAGE$, PO Box 901, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Online Contact: Available on website

Additional Resources

• WAGE$ Evidence-Informed Initiative materials
• NC Smart Start Contract Activity Description
• Salary Supplement Levels documentation
• Statewide Logic Model
• "Busting the Myths" fact sheet
• Better Compensation fact sheet from TEACH Early Childhood® National Center

Application Process

Step 1: Download Application

Download the most recent application form from the website

Spanish language version available ("haga clic aquí para la aplicación en Español")

Alternative: Call 919-967-3272 to request application be mailed or emailed

Employer must also complete and sign a portion of the application

Step 2: Income Verification
Submit documentation based on employment type:

Employee: Copy of current pay stub reflecting normal schedule (one stub required)

Family Child Care Educator: Schedule C from most recent tax year

Facility Owner: Most recent 1040 tax form with all supporting schedules, plus W-2 form(s). If filing jointly, W-2 forms from both parties required. Additional tax documentation may be requested.

Step 3: Official Transcript

Submit official transcripts for ALL college coursework from regionally accredited colleges/universities

Transcripts must be original (printed on special school paper with school seal or stamped)

Cannot accept copied or faxed transcripts

Cannot accept transcripts emailed by applicant (must come directly from school)

Workshops and training hours not acceptable; active CDA Credential from Council for Professional Recognition may be submitted instead

Application Tips

Work Eligibility

Must work at least 10 hours with children birth to 5

Current pay stub required reflecting typical schedule

Employment Section

Page 4 must have answers in every blank

ALL employment information is vital

Employer must complete this section

Application cannot be processed with unanswered questions

Official Transcript

Send official transcript with application unless already on file

WAGE$ cannot obtain transcripts from Division of Child Development and Early Education

Submit with application packet to ensure completeness

General Instructions

Take time filling out application

Write legibly

Complete entire form

Ensure employer signs required sections before submission

Submission Address:
Mail completed paperwork to: Early Years, Attn: WAGE$, PO Box 901, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Questions:
Call 919-967-3272 (reference "WAGE$" and county when calling)