Earn a Stipend While Pursuing Your Degree
| Number of Units | Stipend Amount |
|---|---|
| 3-5 Semester Units | $400 |
| 6-11 Semester Units | $1,000 |
| 12-24 Semester Units | $2,000 |
Minimum of 3 units toward an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development (or equivalent), Human Development (Early Childhood Development or Child Development option), or taking coursework to obtain, renew, or upgrade a Child Development Permit.
Coursework with unofficial transcripts must be completed between July 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025.
Not Sure If You're Eligible?
Complete the quick survey below to find out if you are eligible for the Teacher Stipend program. The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese.
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Get an Additional $300-$800 by Completing Education Milestones
One (1) Education Milestone stipend will be awarded per program year for the highest milestone achieved. If you are completing an Educational Milestone this program year, please notify elcstipend@smcoe.org and provide supporting documentation by or before June 10, 2025.
| Milestone | Description | Stipend Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Milestone 1 | First-time application for a Child Development Permit | $300 |
| Milestone 2 | Child Development Permit upgrade | $400 |
| Milestone 3 | Associate’s Degree in Child Development/Early Childhood Education (or a related field approved by your ELC Stipend Program College Advisor) | $600 |
| Milestone 4 | "Transfer Ready” for a Child Development/Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s degree (or a related field approved by your ELC Stipend Program College Advisor) | $700 |
| Milestone 5 | Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree in Child Development/Early Childhood Education (or a related field approved by your ELC Stipend Program College Advisor) | $800 |
| Milestone 6 | Obtain a PK-3 Credential | $800 |
How to Apply
Complete the online Stipend Pathways Application by December 13, 2024, through the Stipend Module in the Workforce Registry.
- Login to your Registry Profile (caregistry.org)
- Select Stipends & Pathways -> Click Application -> 1) Update your profile
- Click Confirm and Continue -> 2) Select San Mateo: Early Learning and Care Teacher Stipend Program
- Complete the Application (a new application is required every year)
- Complete, Sign and Upload a W9 form (a new W9 is required every year)
- Upload 2023-2024 Supplemental Forms (Permits, Transcripts, Professional Growth Plans / Ed Plans, Training Certificates) to the Workforce Registry by stipend deadlines
Visit the ECE Workforce Registry page (www.smcoe.org/eceworkforceregistry) for helpful resources and videos.
Complete the Following to Qualify
Note that if you are taking classes towards a Bachelor’s degree, please submit an approved Education Plan from your four-year institution(s) to your ELC Stipend Program College Advisor for approval.
Meet With an Advisor
Meet with an ELC Stipend Program College Advisor or Professional Growth Advisor to complete/update an Education Plan with coursework for the current academic year.
Create an Education Plan
Download this Education Plan template and upload your completed Education Plan to the ECE Workforce Registry.
Complete Coursework
Complete a minimum of 3 semester or 4 quarter units. Classes must be completed from a regionally accredited college or university and approved by your Advisor during the program year with a passing grade of ‘C’ or higher.
Upload Transcripts
Upload transcripts to the ECE Workforce Registry by June 10, 2025.
Advising Staff
Please contact your local college advisor for Ed Plan support.
San Mateo County Community College ECE Program Staff
SMCCCD's ECE program staff advise students pursuing Child Development (CD) Permits, College Certificates, and CD/ECE AA Degrees. SMCCCD ECE advising services are available now until March 11, 2025 for SMCCCD students.
Jamie Hui
Program Services Coordinator
huij@smccd.edu
(650) 306-3404
Michelle Amaral
Program Services Coordinator
amaralm@smccd.edu
(650) 738-4304
Advising for All Other Students
Sara Gassner-Wollwage
Early Learning Career Pathways Project Specialist
sgwollwage@smcoe.org
(650) 802-5643
Sara Gassner-Wollwage
Project Specialist, Early Learning Career Pathways
Email: sgwollwage@smcoe.org
Phone: (650) 802-5643
Ian Johnson
Student Services Specialist, P3 and Early Learning Services
Email: ijohnson@smcoe.org
Phone: (650) 802-5344