Getting started with REWARD!

The REWARD Stipend Program provides salary supplements to eligible child care professionals. Individuals must meet all eligibilities to participate. If a person is found to be eligible, a stipend will be awarded along with a 6-month agreement. The stipend amount corresponds to the individual’s Registry Level, as shown below. The stipend agreement is a 6-month contract to continue to meet program eligibilities. Once that agreement ends, the individual can reapply as long as eligibilities continue to be met.

*Stipends are awarded as funding allows.

Earning a REWARD stipend

To be eligible for a REWARD Wisconsin Stipend, an individual must meet the following employment, experience, and education requirements:

Employment Requirements:

• Employed by a group child care program that is licensed and/or participating in YoungStar OR in a licensed or certified family child care program
• Work at least 20 hours per week
• Work at least 5% of their time in an early childhood classroom, either directly with children or in supervision and support of staff
• Live and/or work in the state of Wisconsin
• Earn $16.50 an hour or less

 Experience Requirements:

• Have worked at your present employer for 3 current and continuous years

OR

• Have 6 years of experience in regulated child care programs as documented by the Registry.

Education Requirements

• Registry Level 7 or above on The Registry

• Participants at Registry Level 7, 8, 9, and 10 must complete early childhood credits to continue participating in REWARD. Participants can receive a maximum of 4 stipends at each of these Registry Levels while working to reach a higher Registry Level. Participants at Registry Level 11 and above do not need to meet this requirement.

Ready to Apply?

Choose the application that matches your work setting:

• Family Child Care
• Group Child Care