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$ 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 SFY21.
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 | ||
Annual | ||
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 | $2000 | Completion of coursework with a grade of C or better is required. |
Please follow the steps below to PREPARE for REWARD$:
- Create a Registry account at www.azearlychildhood.org. To learn how to create a Registry account click here.
- 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!
- Ask your employer to verify your employment information including: start date, salary, title, and assigned age group.
- Your employer will need administrative access to the Registry to verify your employment.
- Your employer must verify your employment within the Registry. Learn how here.
- 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!
- Complete Statement of Lawful Presence Form which can be found in the Registry or by clicking here: Statement of Lawful Presence.
- Complete REWARD$ online Application form.
- Submit the following application documents to REWARD$ by emailing them to: azftfrewards@azearlychildhood.org.
- W-9 form with written signature (no electronic signature).
- Professional Development and Education Report (PD Report) from the Registry.
- Statement of Lawful Presence and Identification Document (Driver’s License, Passport or Work Visa).
- 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.