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Excellence and Equity in Education

ELC Teacher Stipend Program

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.

Application window for 2026-2027 ELC Stipend Program Year: 

October 1 - November 12, 2026

A blue and white informational flyer for the Early Learning and Care Teacher Stipend features a four-step process diagram and application details against a plain white background.
A blue and white informational flyer for a teacher stipend features a colorful four-step process timeline in the center and detailed application information in the foreground.
An informational flyer in Chinese regarding teacher stipends features a colorful four-step process diagram in the center, set against a white background with a blue footer containing contact information.
Dates for when to complete steps for the ELC Stipend

Earn While You Learn Every Year!

Join us for our upcoming ELC Stipend Application session:

THIS SATURDAY 10/10
IN PERSON: 11:00am - 1:00pm

LOCATION:

San Mateo County Office of Education

101 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City, CA 94065

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ELC Stipend Zoom Info Session: 10/13 6:30-7:30pm 

JOIN ZOOM

Program Guide (2026-2027)

White and colorful text and graphics detailing a teacher stipend program are set against a solid blue background.
White and blue text and a four-step process graphic are centered on a solid blue background.
Cover of the ELC Stipend Program Guide (Traditional Chinese)

Eligibility Requirements 

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 07/01/2026 – 06/30/2027 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
  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.

Virtual Information Sessions

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m.

JOIN ZOOM

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m.

JOIN ZOOM

In-Person Application Support

Saturday, Oct. 10,

11am-1:00pm

LOCATION:

San Mateo County Office of Education 101 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City, CA 94065

Get Started With Your Application Today!

ApplY HEre

Choose a Track to Apply

Option 1: College Coursework Track

Complete three semester or four quarter units of Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related coursework at an accredited institution of higher education, earning a grade of ‘C’ or higher. Make sure your coursework is properly documented and submitted as part of your application.

Complete at least 3 semester or 4 quarter units to receive $800.

Option 2: Training Track

Complete 21 or more hours of training from an approved provider. Approved providers are listed later on this page. 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.

Complete 21+ hours of professional development to receive $400.

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.

Professional Development Providers

San Mateo County Office of Education

San Mateo County of Education offers virtual and in-person professional development opportunities throughout the year. Most professional development training is offered at low or no cost. Online registration and a valid California Workforce Registry identification number are required to participate.

ECEStipendLogos-CECO

California Early Childhood Online (CECO)

To support early childhood teachers, CECO provides modules based on state-of-the-art information and best practices in one centralized location to meet the ever-changing needs of the early childhood field. Modules are provided in English, Spanish, and Chinese languages.

 

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California ECE Workforce Registry

The California ECE Workforce Registry is a state, regional and local collaboration designed to track and promote the education, training, and experience of the early care and education workforce for the purpose of improving professionalism and workforce quality to positively impact children.

 

4Cslogo

4Cs San Mateo County

The 4Cs of San Mateo County offers a variety of workshops and training for all providers. Topics include business and administration of programs, nutrition, curriculum and activities for children, positive discipline, developmental screening, and caring for children with special needs. It also offers CPR, first aid and preventative health practices classes, and a variety of support for Family Child Care providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need to contact the ELC Stipend team?

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