Government : Better Tomorrows Early Childhood Iowa Sponsors Child Care WAGE$ IOWA Program

The Better Tomorrows Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) board has contracted with the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children to provide the program Child Care WAGE$ IOWA in Benton and Tama Counties.

WAGE$ impacts early childcare and education by recognizing dedicated professionals, stabilizing the childcare workforce and encouraging continued education in the field.  The WAGE$ program provides education-based salary supplements to professionals working in eligible early childhood programs.

The annual stipends range from $500 to $3,500 annually, depending on post-secondary education level.  To be eligible to receive the stipend, individuals must:

·       Work with children under age five in a regulated preschool, childcare center or child development home in Iowa

·       Work at least six months in the same early care and education program

·       Earn at or below the income cap of $15 per hour

·       Work in a program that is enrolled in the state’s Quality Rating System or that is nationally accredited

·       Work in a program that participates in the state’s Child Care Assistance program

For more information, contact Lauren Linnenbrink, WAGE$ Program Coordinator at 515-331-8000 extension 120 or at lauren@iowaaeyc.org or Erin Monaghan, Director of Better Tomorrows ECI at director@BetterTomorrowsECI.org.