Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

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

    How to Apply

    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)

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    nonprofitschild-careworkforce-development

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Ready to apply for Child Care WAGE$® Program?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.