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ELC Teacher Stipend Program

Earn While You Learn Every Year!

Earn money while advancing your Early Childhood Education journey—whether you're completing degree coursework, working toward a Child Development Permit, or participating in ongoing professional development.

The Early Learning and Care (ELC) Teacher Stipend Program supports your growth every step of the way.Applications for the 2025-2026 Program Year are now CLOSED.

Any Questions?

Email the Early Learning and Care Stipend team at elcstipend@smcoe.org.

Getting Started

To be eligible for the ELC Stipend Program, you must:

  1. Be at least 18 years old and have a Social Security Number or Tax ID Number.
  2. Work in the field of Early Learning and Care in San Mateo County for at least six (6) months between 07/01/2025 – 06/10/2026 in one of these settings:
    1. California State Preschool
    2. Licensed Child Care center
    3. Licensed Preschool
    4. Licensed After School Program
    5. Licensed Family Child Care home
    6. Quality Counts San Mateo Participating Program
    7. Child Care receiving payment through 4Cs voucher
    8. A Nanny or paid Family/Friend/Neighbor caregiver
    9. Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten classroom (TK/K)
  3. Work a minimum of 15 hours per week directly with a group of children 12 years or younger in one of the settings listed above.
    1. “Work” must be in a position receiving compensation.

2025-26 Early Learning and Care Stipend Information Session (November 12, 2025)

Watch the video below to learn about the Early Learning and Care Stipend program.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If stipend funds are limited, priority will be given to providers working in a Quality Counts San Mateo County program or in a program that has enrolled children receiving a subsidy, either through a state-contract (CCTR or CSPP) or through a 4Cs voucher (APP or CalWORKs), and teachers working in one of the San Mateo County Child Care Partnership Council Priority 1 Zip Codes: Full-Day and Part-Day State Preschool (CSPP), Infant-Toddler Full-Day (CCTR), and School Age (CCTR).

Application Steps

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Create or Update Your ECE Workforce Registry Profile

The California ECE Workforce Registry is a statewide system designed to track and support the professional development of early childhood educators. It serves as a central hub for documenting your education, training, and experience in the field. To participate in the ELC Stipend Program, you must have an active Workforce Registry profile and a valid Registry ID number. Use the following resource for step-by-step guidance:

Workforce Registry Resources

Have a Valid Email Address on File with the Workforce Registry

To ensure you receive important updates, notifications, and deadline reminders, please make sure the email address associated with your Workforce Registry account is current and actively monitored.

Note: The email address you use to log into the Workforce Registry will be the one we use to contact you regarding the ELC Stipend Program.

To avoid missing messages from our team, please add ELCstipend@smcoe.org to your email contacts or safe sender list.

How to Apply

Complete the online Stipend Pathways Application by November 30, 2025, through the Stipend Module in the Workforce Registry.

  1. Log in to your Registry Profile (caregistry.org)
  2. Select Stipends & Pathways -> Click Application -> 1) Update your profile
  3. Click Confirm and Continue -> 2) Select San Mateo: Early Learning and Care Teacher Stipend Program
  4. Complete the Application (a new application is required every year)
  5. Complete, sign, and upload a W9 and attestation form (a new W9 is required every year)

After you are accepted into the program, please upload 2025-2026 Supplemental Forms (Permits, Transcripts, Professional Growth Plans / Ed Plans, Training Certificates) by stipend deadlines. Look for an email from ELC Stipends on how to upload your forms.

Visit the ECE Workforce Registry page for helpful resources and videos. 

Video Walkthrough for How to Apply

Watch the video below to learn how to apply. Videos in Spanish and Cantonese will be uploaded shortly. If you need any support, please email the Early Learning and Care Stipend team at elcstipend@smcoe.org.

Upload Your W-9 and Attestation Forms

Image of a W9 form

Each year, you must submit 1) a completed W-9 form and 2) and an attestation form to be eligible for the ELC Stipend.

W-9 and Attestation Packet

Applications will be considered incomplete without both forms on file and will not be processed for stipend disbursement. Please ensure your documents are accurate, signed, and uploaded by November 30, 2025. Learn more:

Video Walkthrough for Uploading Your Documents

Watch the video below to learn how to upload your W-9 and Attestation Form. If you need any support, please email the Early Learning and Care Stipend team at elcstipend@smcoe.org.

Watch the video below to learn how to upload your W-9 and Attestation Form. If you need any support, please email the Early Learning and Care Stipend team at elcstipend@smcoe.org.

Choose a Track to Apply:

Option 1: College Coursework Track

To qualify for the ELC Stipend, you must complete ECE/CD or related coursework at an accredited institution of higher education, earning a grade of ‘C’ or higher.

Stipend amounts are based on the number of semester units completed:

  • 3-5 (semester) units = $400

  • 6-11 units = $800

  • 12-24 units = $1,600

Make sure your coursework is properly documented and submitted as part of your application.

Option 2: Training Track

To qualify for the ELC Stipend through professional development, you must complete 10 or more hours of training from an approved provider.

Stipend amounts are based on the total number of hours completed:

  • 10-20 hours = $300
  • 21+ hours = $500

Be sure to keep documentation of your completed hours and verify that your provider is approved.

All hours must be completed within the program year and submitted by the required deadline.

Milestone Stipend (Optional Add-On or Stand-Alone Track)

You may be eligible for a Milestone Stipend by completing one of the following achievements:

  • Obtaining a new Child Development Permit
  • Upgrading an existing permit
  • Earning an early childhood education degree

The Milestone Stipend can be awarded on its own or in addition to one of the other stipend tracks (coursework or professional development). Be sure to submit the required documentation to verify your achievement. All milestones must be completed within the current program year.

ELC Milestone

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 you will receive a Tax Form 1099. 
  • Stipend payments are mailed to the participant’s home address as entered on the W-9 Form.

Program Guides

Our Story

The Early Learning and Care (ELC) Stipend Program is part of San Mateo County’s ongoing commitment to supporting early childhood professionals. Administered by the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) through its Prenatal to Third Grade Early Learning Support (P-3 ELS) team, this program is funded by the California Workforce Pathways Grant, a statewide initiative designed to strengthen and grow the early learning workforce.

The ELC Stipend Program provides financial support to qualified early childhood educators who are pursuing professional development, education, or career advancement. By investing in the workforce, the program helps ensure high-quality early learning experiences for children across San Mateo County.

Stipend amounts may vary depending on available funding and the number of participants who complete program requirements.

Need Help Applying?

Email the Early Learning and Care Stipend team at elcstipend@smcoe.org.