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 child care and education by recognizing dedicated professionals, stabilizing the child care 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, child care 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: lauren@iowaaeyc.org or Erin Monaghan, Director of Better Tomorrows ECI at director@BetterTomorrowsECI.org.