FAQS

REWARD was significantly expanded in June of 2022 due to receiving federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). REWARD awarded higher stipends to more individuals than ever before. Unfortunately, that funding expired in June of 2024. REWARD returned to their base funding, which is received through the Department of Children and Families. Eligibilities and stipend amounts changed due to the lower funding amount. REWARD’s continued funding relies on the advocacy of our participants. Your stories can make all the difference. Share your story HERE. 

The REWARD Wisconsin Stipend Program has been providing early childhood educators with monetary stipends to increase compensation and encourage retention since its inception in 2001. It is one of several programs Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) administers statewide. 

Review current eligibilities on the main REWARD page on WECA’s website. 

It’s easy and efficient to apply online! Applications are available in English and Spanish. The REWARD program only accepts online applications and renewals. We understand people may not have immediate access to the technology needed to submit online applications, and we recommend the following if you do not have a computer or laptop: 

• Submit on a tablet or smartphone, as the applications are mobile-friendly. 
• Ask if you can submit your application from a computer at work. 
• Ask a family member, friend, or colleague to help you apply using their computer. 
• All public libraries should have computers for public use, and library staff are happy to assist as needed. 
• If none of the above options work for you, please contact REWARD program staff for further guidance. 

Once you receive a stipend, you are eligible to renew in 12 months. REWARD will send you a renewal reminder in the form of an email and a text message, if you have provided the appropriate contact information. This renewal is sent approximately 11 months after you receive a stipend.  

WECA issues payments one time per month, towards the end of the month. If it is your month to get a stipend, you will receive an email when your direct deposit will be happening or when your check goes in the mail. The goal of the REWARD Stipend Program is to award all stipends by direct deposit, as this is the quickest, most efficient, and safest way to receive your funds. Direct deposits do not get lost or stolen in the mail. We understand this may not be your preferred method, so receiving a paper check is still an option, but checks arrive approximately two weeks after direct deposits happen. 

REWARD needs your SSN because stipends are personal income, and WECA is required to report them to the IRS. You will need to report your stipends on your taxes at the end of every year. If you do not have a SSN, a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) number will work for the REWARD application. 

Employees of child care programs must submit one recent paystub or pay statement. Please note it must include the following information: 

1. Your name 
2. The name of your employer 
3. The date the payment was issued 
4. The payment amount 
5. Number of hours you work per week 

Many individuals may not have access to traditional check stubs. Individuals may receive online pay statements when they are paid. If you do not have a traditional pay stub, you can upload one of these online pay statements as proof of income. Please note it must include the info listed above in 1-5. 

Please note: 

• A bank deposit slip or screenshot of a deposit into a bank will not be accepted. 
• A timesheet will not be accepted. 
• A W-2 Form will not be accepted 

Owners of child care programs need to upload a few forms from their most recent Federal tax return. Depending on the type of your program, how your program is incorporated, and if you are paid by the program, this might include: 

If you own a family child care program: 

• Your schedule C 
• Your W-2, if you received any pay from your child care program 

If you own a group program: 

• Your Schedule C 
• Your K-1 form 
• Your W-2, if you received any pay from your program 
• Your DIV form, if you receive dividends from the business 

All REWARD stipends are personal income and must be reported to the IRS when you file your taxes. If you receive funds from WECA programs totaling $600 or more during a calendar year, WECA will send a 1099 tax form. However, you must report all stipends as personal income to the IRS whether or not you receive the 1099 from WECA. The 1099 form is for reporting purposes only and does not need to be submitted with your tax returns. Please consult a tax professional for more information on how to report this income. 

Any way you want. The stipend is considered your personal income and can be used at your discretion. Pay your bills, take a vacation, start a 401K – whatever meets your needs! 

There technically is not a due date for the REWARD program But why wait? Apply now and start receiving your stipends as soon as possible. 

REWARD funding is in the Wisconsin State budget, which is passed by our state legislature every two years. Funding then comes to WECA through the Department of Children and Families. REWARD’s continued funding relies on the advocacy of our participants. Your stories can make all the difference. Share your story HERE. 

The REWARD Wisconsin Stipend Program and Wisconsin Registry are two separate entities that work independently while collaborating to provide valuable support to early childhood professionals. REWARD is a program of WECA that awards stipend checks based on specific eligibilities. Where the two organizations overlap is that the amount of stipend we award is determined by your level on The Registry Career Ladder. Individuals receive a Registry Level after submitting their work history, record of coursework taken (both credit-based and continuing education hours), and professional contributions to the Registry. Once you have a Registry Level, you can apply for a REWARD Stipend. The REWARD application asks for your Registry ID Number, which then allows us to look up your Registry Level on a report supplied to us by the Registry.