Child Care WAGE$® Program

Geographic Scope: North Carolina (statewide)

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

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)