ELC Stipend College Coursework
Earn a Stipend While Pursuing Your Degree
| Number of Units | Stipend Amount |
|---|---|
| 3-5 Semester Units | $400 |
| 6-11 Semester Units | $800 |
| 12-24 Semester Units | $1,600 |
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, 2025 - June 17, 2026.
How to Apply
Complete the online Stipend Pathways Application by November 30, 2025, through the Stipend Module in the Workforce Registry.
- Log in 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 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.
Get an Additional $300-$700 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 May 31, 2026.
| 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) | $500 |
| Milestone 4 | 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) | $600 |
| Milestone 5 | Obtain a PK-3 Credential | $700 |
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 17, 2026.
Advising Staff
Please contact your local college advisor for Ed Plan support.
San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) 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 for SMCCCD students.
Jamie Hui
Cañada College
Program Services Coordinator
huij@smccd.edu
Availability:
-
Only Cañada College Students: Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, 9:30am-3:30pm (Email first to confirm you are a Cañada student. Appointments can be over Zoom or in person.)
Michelle Amaral
Skyline College
Program Services Coordinator
amaralm@smccd.edu
Availability:
- Skyline Students: Monday-Friday, 10:00am-4:30pm
- Students outside of Skyline: Monday/Wednesday Evenings, 5:30-8:30pm; limited Saturdays 9:00am-12:00pm or 12:00pm-4:00pm
Advising for All Other Students
Sara Gassner-Wollwage
Early Learning Career Pathways Project Specialist
sgwollwage@smcoe.org
(650) 802-5643
Availability:
- Ed Plan Appointments Only: Tuesday Evenings, 4:30pm-8:30pm
- Appointments: Tuesdays from 12:00-7:30pm (Zoom or in person)
- Drop-in Office Hours: Tuesdays 7:30-8:00pm
Michelle Amaral
ED Plan Advisor Support
amaralm@smccd.edu
(650) 738-4304
Availability:
- Skyline students: Monday-Friday, 10:00am-4:30pm
- Students Outside of Skyline: Monday/Wednesday Evenings, 5:30-8:30pm; limited Saturdays 9:00am-12:00pm or 12:00pm-4:00pm
Elizabeth Foster
ED Plan Advisor Support
epfoster@pacbell.net
(415) 269-2266
Availability (through Zoom):
- Wednesdays, 9:00-11:00am, 6:30-8:00 pm
- Thursdays, 11:30am-2:00pm, 6:30-7:30pm
- Limited Saturdays, 8:30-10:30am
Academic Counselor Appointments for San Mateo County Community College Students
SMCCCD students can schedule an appointment with a general academic counselor (not specific to ECE) through the links below.
Need Help with the ECE Workforce Registry?
- Find ECE Workforce Registry resources curated by the County Office of Education
- Visit the ECE Workforce Registry Help DESK