Professional REWARD$ Program

We understand that earning a living in early childhood education can be difficult. This is why the REWARD$ Program was created. The Professional REWARD$ Program is a First Things First statewide initiative offering a financial incentive to child care professionals working with children birth through age 5. Professional REWARD$ is administered by Central Arizona College, Early Childhood Education Department. Before you learn more about Professional REWARD$, take the eligibility quiz to see if you qualify for this program.

2020-2021 Application Cycle

  • The REWARD$ application cycle will be open until November 30, 2020. However, we will continue to accept applications after that date until all funds are expended in the Region.
  • An applicant is eligible for one (1) REWARD$ incentive payment per fiscal year (July 1st – June 30th).
  • An applicant cannot receive a REWARD$ incentive and an FTF College Scholarship Bonus in the same fiscal year.
  • REWARD$ funding will be prioritized for teachers and teacher assistant positions.
  • REWARD$ applicants who have been furloughed, placed on administrative leave, or had their hours reduced due to COVID-19 will still be considered eligible for the incentive if they meet all other requirements through June 30, 2021.

REWARD$ Application Process

If you can answer “Yes” to each statement below, then you have met the eligibility criteria to apply for the Professional REWARD$ Program.

  • I have a Registry profile account.
  • I have submitted official college transcripts to the Registry.
  • My Registry Participant Education and Professional Development Report (PD Report), Registry Career Lattice Level is “B” or above.
  • I am at least 18 years of age and lawfully present in the United States.
  • I am employed at a child care program or family home provider regulated by a Federal, State or Tribal authority and in good standing.
  • I am employed in one of the following First Things First Regions below. To find out if the program you work at is in one of these regions, click here.
    • Cochise
    • Coconino
    • Graham/Greenlee
    • Navajo Nation
    • San Carlos Apache Tribe
    • White Mountain Apache Tribe
    • Yavapai
  • I am currently working at least 30 hours per week (teachers, assistant teachers and family child care providers must work directly with children ages birth to 5 years).
  • I am employed at current place of employment for past 12 consecutive months.
  • I earn $20 or less per hour based on a 40-hour work week.
  • My employer is demonstrating a commitment to quality by meeting one of the following criteria:
    • Enrolled in or on the wait list for Quality First or
    • Accredited by a national organization which is recognized by the Department of Education or Department of Economic Security
  • REWARD$ applicants who have been furloughed, placed on administrative leave, or had their hours reduced due to COVID-19 will still be considered eligible for the incentive if they meet all other requirements through June 30, 2021.

REWARD$ will utilize each applicant’s Registry Participant Education and Professional Development Report (PD Report) and Registry Career Lattice Level to determine REWARD$ incentive amount (see chart below).

SFY 2021 REWARD$ Levels

Career Lattice 
Level

Annual
Incentive

 

B

$500

You can receive level B Annual Incentive for 2 years.

You must continue to take the coursework and advance to a higher Career Lattice Level to continue to participate in REWARD$.

Completion of coursework with a grade of C or better is required.

C

$700

You can receive level C Annual Incentive for 3 years.

You must continue to take the coursework and advance to a higher Career Lattice Level to continue to participate in REWARD$.

Completion of coursework with a grade of C or better is required.

D

$900

You can receive level D Annual Incentive for 3 years.

You must continue to take the coursework and advance to a higher Career Lattice Level to continue to participate in REWARD$.

Completion of coursework with a grade of C or better is required.

E

$1200

You can receive level E Annual Incentive for 4 years.

You must continue to take the coursework and advance to a higher Career Lattice Level to continue to participate in REWARD$.

Completion of coursework with a grade of C or better is required.

F

$1500

Completion of coursework with a grade of C or better is required.

G

$2000

Completion of coursework with a grade of C or better is required.

Please follow the steps below to PREPARE for REWARD$:

  1. Create a Registry account at www.azearlychildhood.org. To learn how to create a Registry account click here.
  2. Request your official transcripts to be sent to the Registry to verify the credits you have earned (even if transcripts have been provided to a QF Coach, have them submitted directly to the Registry)! Learn how to submit documentation click here. This process can take several weeks!
  3. Ask your employer to verify your employment information including: start date, salary, title, and assigned age group.
  4. Your employer will need administrative access to the Registry to verify your employment.
  5. Your employer must verify your employment within the Registry. Learn how here.
  6. Confirm your Registry Participant Education and Professional Development Report (PD Report). Note: REWARD$ eligibility and incentive level are determined from the information on this document, make sure it is up to date!
  7. Complete Statement of Lawful Presence Form which can be found in the Registry or by clicking here: Statement of Lawful Presence.
  1. Complete REWARD$ online Application form.
  2. Submit the following application documents to REWARD$ by emailing them to: azftfrewards@azearlychildhood.org.
  3. W-9 form with written signature (no electronic signature).
  4. Professional Development and Education Report (PD Report) from the Registry.
  5. Statement of Lawful Presence and Identification Document (Driver’s License, Passport or Work Visa).
  6. Continue checking your email account for updated communication.

IMPORTANT! Applications review will NOT begin until the application cycle has closed at midnight October 31st. Allow at least 4 to 6 weeks for application review and payment processing.

¡Importante! La revisión de la solicitud comenzará después del cierre de este ciclo de solicitud el 31 de octubre. Permita de 4 a 6 semanas para el procesamiento y pago de incentivos.

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The average wait time for processing your college transcripts is 30 Days. For questions regarding your Registry account, please contact info@thearizonaregistry.org.