Earn $$ While You Learn!
Early Learning and Care Teacher Stipend Program Application Period Opens September 16
Get paid to advance in Early Childhood degree coursework, Child Development Permit coursework, or through continuous Early Childhood professional development hours through the Early Learning and Care (ELC) Teacher Stipend program.
Eligibility Survey
Complete the quick survey below to find out if you are eligible for the Teacher Stipend program:
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Disclaimer: The eligibility survey doesn't automatically enroll you in the stipend program. To apply, please choose a track and follow the steps below.
Pre-Application Steps
The program supports early learning and care (ELC) professionals – including those who work in center-based and home-based settings – as they advance their careers. Before you apply, there are a few steps you need to take:
Create ECE Workforce Registry Profile & Registry ID Number
The California ECE Workforce Registry is a state, regional, and local collaboration designed to centrally track and promote the education, training, and experience of the ECE workforce.
Your Registry ID is REQUIRED to register and attend trainings professional events and to apply for the stipend program. Visit the ECE Workforce Registry page to learn how to create an account or update your registry profile.
Have a Valid Email
Email is the primary method of communication for the ELC Stipend Program.
Please add ELCstipend@smcoe.org to your email contacts to make sure you receive email messages from the SMCOE stipend program staff. Should your email change, please inform your Advisor and SMCOE stipend program staff immediately.
Upload a W9 Form
A new W9 form is required for the ELC Stipend every year. Download this year's W9 form and complete, sign, and upload it to the ECE Workforce Registry.
Choose a Track to Apply:
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Download the ELC Teacher Stipend Program Guide
The ELC Teacher Stipend Program Guide includes eligibility criteria, pre-application requirements, tracks, application steps, program requirements and deadlines, and the stipend payment process. The guide also provides information on both the College Coursework and Training tracks.
How Are Stipends Paid?
- Stipend amounts are contingent upon the availability of funds and the number of participants who complete stipend program requirements.
- Stipends must be declared as income and are subject to income tax regulations. For any participant who receives total payments of more than $600 for the 2023-24 program year, a Tax Form 1099 for 2024 taxes will be mailed to the participant's home address by January 31, 2025.
- Stipend payments are mailed in late July 2025 to the participant’s home address as entered on the W-9 Form.
IMPORTANT: If you have a change of address, you must upload a new W9 to the Workforce Registry and email ELCstipend@smcoe.org to notify us of this change.
About the Program
The San Mateo County Early Learning and Care Career Development Initiative’s 2024-2025 Stipend Program is funded through a grant from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), with supplemental support from First 5 California, the California Department of Education, and First 5 San Mateo County.
The stipend amounts listed are estimated based on the available funding. Final stipend amounts are based on the available funding and the number of participants who complete stipend program requirements.
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