R.E.W.A.R.D.™ Wisconsin
(Rewarding Education with Wages And
Respect for Dedication)
2002 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
What is the R.E.W.A.R.D.™ Wisconsin Stipend Program?
It is a compensation
initiative that awards annual stipends directly to Early Childhood
Professionals in Wisconsin.
-
It rewards attained education based upon the level of education an individual has already completed (determined by The Registry Recognition System).
- It rewards longevity by awarding stipends after a recipient has demonstrated commitment to a child care program or to the field.
- It is a program that builds on, and coordinates with, the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN Scholarship Program. Whereas T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN supports individuals who wish to seek more education, R.E.W.A.R.D.™ recognizes those who have already attained education.
- It is an effort that addresses the issue of low wages without impacting program budgets, regular wages, or parent fees.
In its full vision, R.E.W.A.R.D.™ would award annual stipends to individuals at all levels of The Registry Recognition System, from $250 to $3,500. Award amounts would be determined by one's level on The Registry Recognition System, a ten step ladder of professional development. Due to limited funding, the R.E.W.A.R.D.™ WISCONSIN Stipend Program is not able to operate at its full vision. Funding for the full vision will require increased private and public investment.
Stipends are currently awarded to individuals at Registry Level 5 and above, at amounts between $875 and $1,750. Additional eligibilities apply for R.E.W.A.R.D.™ WISCONSIN, including proven longevity to a child care program or to the field of child care. (See specific eligibilities below.)
It is the goal of this program to:
- Reward attained education and commitment.
- Retain staff that have attained education specific to the Early Childhood field.
- Reduce turnover by awarding stipends after demonstrated commitment.
- Increase compensation of early childhood professionals.
- Encourage continued education.
- Encourage continued commitment to the field.
- Improve the quality of care in Wisconsin child care programs.
Who funds the R.E.W.A.R.D.™ WISCONSIN Stipend Program?
Financial support for this program originates from federal funding, channeled through the Department of Workforce Development-Office of Child Care. The Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, WECA, administers the program. Funding in 2002 is 1.75 million dollars.
Who benefits from the R.E.W.A.R.D.™ WISCONSIN Stipend Program?
- Providers, Teachers, and Directors: Family Child Care providers, center teachers, and program directors receive stipend amounts as recognition for attained education and dedication already demonstrated. They experience increased professional status and job satisfaction.
"It feels awesome to get recognized for continuing to further my education in a field that pays so little, but (in which) the personal rewards are so great!" Stipend Recipient, 2001.
- Programs: Child care programs benefit by retaining knowledgeable staff members and reducing the cost of turnover. Programs experience increased stability which increases quality and marketability of the program.
"This stipend has been a wonderful boost for morale at our center. We now use it as a tool to encourage longevity." Stipend Recipient, 2001.
- Children: Children are the main beneficiaries of the R.E.W.A.R.D.™ WISCONSIN Stipend Program. Children benefit by being able to have consistent caregivers who have a commitment to the field and their child care programs. They benefit form receiving care from caregivers who have obtained educational training specific to the Early Childhood Education field.
"This stipend means a lot to the recipients and the children in their care. Unfortunately, many great teachers leave the profession because of low pay or no insurance. Frequent staff turnover adversely affects the quality of child care and education". Stipend Recipient, 2001.
Who is eligible for a stipend in 2002?
Family child care providers, child care center teachers, center directors, and administrators who meet the following criteria may be eligible for a stipend:
- Are employed a minimum of 20 hours per week in a licensed child care center, licensed or certified family child care program, or any Head Start Program.
- Family child care providers or teachers: Must work at least 5% of your time directly with children.
- Center directors or administrators: Must work at least 5% of your time in the classroom with providers or teachers (may include subbing, filling in, or providing guidance/support to staff).
If response necessitates, priority consideration will be given to the following:
- Individuals working the most time directly with children.
- Individuals with greater longevity in the field.
Educational Requirements
Your Registry Certificate must reflect your highest level of education attained. No documentation other than your Registry Certificate will be considered. Your certificate must also be reflective of The Registry's current 10 level system.
Registry Level 5: $875 - Individual must have a Registry Certificate reflecting Level 5, with two continuous years of commitment to their current child care program -OR- Individual must have a Registry Certificate reflecting Level 5 with at least 5 Stars.
Registry Level 6: $1,125 - Individual must have a Registry Certificate reflecting Level 6, with two continuous years of commitment to their current child care program -OR- Individual must have a Registry Certificate reflecting Level 6 with at least 5 Stars.
Registry Level 7: $1,500 - Individual must have a Registry Certificate reflecting Level 7, with two continuous years of commitment to their current child care program -OR- Individual must have a Registry Certificate reflecting Level 7 with at least 5 Stars.
Registry Level 8, 9, 10: $1,750 -
Individual must have a Registry Certificate reflecting Level 8, 9, or 10,
with two continuous years of commitment to their current child care
program -OR- Individual must have a Registry Certificate reflecting Level
8, 9, or 10 with at least 5 Stars.
What should I do now to receive a R.E.W.A.R.D.™ WISCONSIN Stipend in 2002?
- Contact WECA to get a
R.E.W.A.R.D.™
WISCONSIN Stipend Program Application.
Call, email or write to:
R.E.W.A.R.D.™ WISCONSIN Stipend Program
744 Williamson St., Suite 200
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-240-9880, extension 7240, or 800-783-9322, extension 7240
Email: reward@wecanaeyc.org
- Gather your Registry Information.
If you do not have a certificate from The Registry, call 608-222-1123 to begin that process now. It takes 6-8 weeks for The Registry to process an application if all essential materials are included with your application to The Registry.
If you have a certificate, make sure that it reflects your highest level of education attained. No documentation other than your Registry Certificate will be considered. Your certificate must be reflective of The Registry's current 10 level system.
The Registry can be contacted at:
2517 Seiferth Avenue
Madison, WI 53716
Phone: 608-222-1123
Email: registry@the-registry.org
- Send in your complete application, along with your Registry Certificate, to the R.E.W.A.R.D.™ WISCONSIN Stipend Program.
The due date for applications is June 28, 2002. Applications must be postmarked on or before that date to be considered for a stipend.
If your application is complete, and you meet all program
eligibilities, your stipend will be mailed to you in July.
"The single most important determinant of child care quality is the presence of consistent, sensitive, well-trained and well compensated caregivers." -- National Childcare Staffing Study, 1990, updated in 1994 and 1998.
Updated November 12, 2008