Who funds the R.E.W.A.R.D.™ Wisconsin Stipend Program?
Financial support for this program originates from federal funding, specifically from the Child Care Development Block Grant. The funding is part of the Wisconsin State Budget. Every two years the funding for this program is decided on through a legislative process, including the Senate, Assembly, and Governor. Once funding is secured, the state Department of Children and Families administers the funds. The Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) houses the day to day operation of the R.E.W.A.R.D.™ Wisconsin Stipend Program.

Why are stipends based on educational levels? Why isn't my experience rewarded?
Actually, your experience is rewarded. The R.E.W.A.R.D.™ Wisconsin Stipend Program a program about recognizing individuals for their educational attainments. That is why stipends increase as an individual's educational level increases - higher levels of educational completions receive higher stipends. But the R.E.W.A.R.D. program recognizes that it is the combination of education and experience that is best for children. That is why the R.E.W.A.R.D. program eligibilities include a longevity requirement in addition to an educational requirement.

What is the connection between the R.E.W.A.R.D.™ WISCONSIN Stipend Program and The Registry?
This is easily the most common question that we answer at the REWARD Program. The Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) administers the R.E.W.A.R.D.™ Wisconsin Stipend Program. REWARD is the program that awards the stipends, or checks. The amount that an individual receives is based on their educational achievements, so a person needs to demonstrate to the REWARD program what those educational achievements are. The way to do this is with a Registry Certificate.

The Registry is the organization which awards Registry Certificates. An individual receives a Registry Certificate after submitting their work history, educational completions (both credit based and continuing education hours), and professional contributions. The certificate indicates what Level an individual has achieved on the Recognition System. It also shows other information, like the number of years a person has been in the field and what positions they are qualified to hold.

To receive a REWARD stipend, an individual must first apply to The Registry to get a Registry Certificate. Then, the individual must apply to the REWARD program.

The R.E.W.A.R.D.™ WISCONSIN Stipend Program and The Registry are two separate organizations; we are housed in separate locations and have different staff members. We are closely associated due to the nature of our programs; both WECA and The Registry are involved in many aspects of professional development for child care providers in the state of Wisconsin. However, we do operate independently of each other.

For more information on The Registry, go to The Registry Homepage

Who makes decisions for the R.E.W.A.R.D.™ Wisconsin Stipend Program?
The R.E.W.A.R.D.™ Wisconsin Stipend Program Committee. It is a statewide committee, with diverse representation. Over 50% of the members are direct care providers - family child care providers, teachers, directors, and administrators - just like you. Interestingly, some are recipients of the program, while others are not. But they are all committed to growing a program that recognizes individuals for their educational attainments and commitment to the field. Additional members of the committee include representatives from the Department of Children and Families, The Registry, and other statewide organizations.

What can I do with my stipend?
We ask recipients yearly how they used their stipends - and the responses are extremely varied. Some individuals use it to reinvest in their career - by taking classes or workshops or by purchasing new teaching materials. Some recipients use the stipend to buy materials for their program or classroom. While these are potential uses of your stipend, your stipend is personal income and it is to be used at your discretion. The R.E.W.A.R.D.™ Wisconsin Stipend Program makes no restrictions or limitations on how you use your stipend.

Do I have to report my stipend on my taxes?
Yes. REWARD stipends are personal income - and all personal income has to be reported to the IRS. It is the law.

WECA will send out a form called a 1099-MISC to individuals who received $600 or more dollars in personal income from WECA within the calendar year. (If you are a T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Wisconsin Scholarship recipient, your bonuses will be counted towards this amount - or if WECA has paid you as a trainer.) The 1099-MISC is for reporting purposes only; it does not need to submitted with your taxes. It is simply a reminder to you. Individuals who receive less that $600 will not get the 1099-MISC, but still need to report the income to the IRS.

We highly recommend contacting a tax professional to get the best advice on how to report this income.

How do I contact the R.E.W.A.R.D.™ Wisconsin Stipend Program?

By phone:
In the Madison Area: 1-608-240-9880, ext. 7249
Statewide: 1-800-783-9322, ext. 7249
Please note: The R.E.W.A.R.D phone line is answered Monday through Thursday.

By email:
reward@wecanaeyc.org

By mail:
744 Williamson Suite 200 Madison WI 53703