The San Mateo County Early Learning and Care Teacher Stipend Program

Applications for 2023-2024 are now closed.

The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) and Quality Counts San Mateo County are excited to partner with the California Department of Social Services to offer the San Mateo County Early Learning and Care Career Development Initiative’s 2023-24 Stipend Program.

The goal of the program is to support early learning and care (ELC) professionals, including both those who work in center-based and home-based settings, as they advance along career pathways through degree and Child Development Permit attainment, and build their skills through continuous professional growth and development activities. By providing stipends, the ELC Career Development Initiative seeks to incentivize ongoing, intentional professional growth, and to reward professionals who stay in the field of ELC.

SMCOE works in close partnership with the San Mateo County Child Care Partnership Council, San Mateo County Community College District, the Child Care Coordinating Council, First 5 San Mateo County, and other local partners to leverage workforce development supports.

ELC professionals, who work in eligible programs for at least 15 hours a week with children ages 0-12, are eligible for stipends in the following areas: College Coursework (including completion of units and meeting Educational Milestones), Trainings (including stipends for 10+ hours of professional growth activities).

The ELC 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 in this guide 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.

Other questions? Email ELCstipend@smcoe.org.

Edirle Menezes

Coordinator, Early Learning Quality Improvement (QRIS)

Email: emenezes@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5443

Ian Johnson

Administrative Assistant II

Email: ijohnson@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5344

Luz Ariza

Administrative Assistant

Email: lariza@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5308