Workforce Pathways Grant (WPG) Stipend

Workforce Pathways Grant (WPG) Stipend is sponsored by San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). This grant provides stipends to early learning and care (ELC) teachers and caregivers of children zero to five years of age in San Diego County for completing professional learning activities.

Workforce Pathways Grant (WPG) Stipend - San Diego County Office of Education search-form#clearSearch'> search-form#clearSearch'> Workforce Pathways Grant (WPG) Professional Learning Stipend Information Stipend Funding and Management San Diego County has received the Quality Counts California (QCC) Workforce Pathways Grant from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

This grant will supply stipends to early learning and care (ELC) teachers and caregivers of children zero to five years of age in San Diego County for completing professional learning activities. The lead agency for this grant is the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE).

SDCOE and San Diego County’s resource and referral agency, YMCA Childcare Resource Service (CRS), collaborate in implementing this stipend program and applicants will communicate with both SDCOE and YMCA CRS. Priority will be given to individuals WHO are Working in a non-subsidized setting (workplace is not receiving state or federal funding). Working with infants and toddlers.

Working in childcare deserts (identified by ZIP code). Students enrolled in ECE/CD coursework with the goal of working in early learning and care settings.

The intent of this stipend is to provide incentives to workforce members who are actively working toward career advancement by completing professional learning activities including professional development training and Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) credit-bearing college coursework.

This stipend is intended to promote the investment of additional time outside of the typical workday, to increase quality practices from providers who work directly with young children ages zero to 5. To ensure that the stipend-fund allotment is offered equitably throughout the San Diego County workforce, transitional kindergarten (TK) staff and special education teachers employed by school districts are not eligible for this stipend.

TK and special education programs within school districts are part of an education system that receives higher levels of funding, resources, and accessibility than infant, toddler, or preschool programs.

Additionally, individuals receiving funding from the Early Education Teacher Development Grant (EETD) , participating in the San Diego Quality Preschool Initiative / Learn Well Stipend , or participating on the Workforce Investment Tuition Assistance Program are not eligible for this stipend. This ensures equitable stipend allocation, supporting individuals who do not currently receive funding from other sources.

Application for Participation Workforce members who wish to take part in WPG Professional Learning Stipend will apply directly through the CA ECE Workforce Registry and complete all required tasks listed within this WPG Professional Learning Stipend website. Click the “Stipends & Pathways” menu option. Select “Application” underneath.

Confirm all information is correct and click “Confirm and Continue” at the bottom. Select the “San Diego County: WPG Professional Learning Stipend” link. Be sure to click the blue “Submit” button at the end of the application.

Applicants who need further support may view a webinar on how to apply for a stipend in the Workforce Registry Webinar in English or Webinar in Spanish . CA ECE Workforce Registry Teachers and caregivers can opt for one of two stipend types: professional development training or Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) credit-bearing coursework.

The stipend, calculated at $20 per clock hour, follows specific thresholds: Professional Development training Stipend amount The stipend is fixed at $420 for 21 hours. Note: Stipends are only awarded for completing 21 hours or more. No stipend will be granted for less than 21 hours.

Completing more than 21 hours will not increase the stipend amount. ECE/CD Credit-bearing coursework Stipend amount 6 semester units = $1,800 9 semester units = $2,700 12 semester units = $3,600 Note: Only coursework in Early Childhood Education or Child Development qualifies. General education or unrelated courses are not eligible.

The minimum requirement is three semester units and the stipend amount increases only in increments of three units. If you meet the stipend qualifications, you may also be eligible for reimbursement of college coursework and/or degree validation from international transcripts, provided the validation is through a CTC-approved agency . For more information, please reach out to your assigned workforce advisor.

Payment Processing Timeline Sept. to May : Applicants complete required tasks, and the stipend team verifies eligibility. May to June : The stipend team processes business and fiscal documentation.

June to July : YMCA CRS distributes stipend checks by mail or direct deposit. By July 31 : If you haven't received your stipend by July 31, contact Laurie Han at lhan@ymcasd. org and Blayne Adams at badams@ymcasd.

org . Please note that stipend allotment is considered taxable income and will be counted towards your total taxable income for the current year. Taxable income must be reported on your tax return and is subject to tax.

Please consult with your tax professional for further questions. Demonstrate active employment working with children ages zero to five in San Diego County, or be currently enrolled as an ECE/CD student residing in San Diego County. Keep Workforce Registry profile up to date, with information that includes but is not limited to employment, education, permits and/or credentials, and ongoing professional learning activities.

Serve in at least one of the following roles: Employed in a classroom and work with children as a teacher, assistant, or floater Employed in a licensed family child care (FCC) and work with young children Owner/operator of a licensed family child care (FCC) License-exempt provider/caregiver: Family, Friend, Neighbor (FFN) Complete all required tasks listed in the Required Tasks section below.

Statements of Understanding I understand that all stipend information, eligibility criteria, and required tasks are available on the WPG Professional Learning Stipend website, and I will follow the requirements and deadlines listed there. I understand that stipend-related messages will be sent to the email address linked to my Workforce Registry account, and it is my responsibility to check these emails at least weekly.

I understand that stipend-related messages may also be sent via text if my cell phone number is listed in my Workforce Registry profile. I am aware that some carriers may charge for receiving texts, and I can remove my number if I prefer not to receive text messages.

I understand that after completing coursework or professional development, I must upload documentation (e.g., transcripts) reflecting completion within the Workforce Registry. I understand that stipend payments will be issued upon submission of all required materials, while funding is available, and that the YMCA CRS will distribute checks.

I understand that to ensure equitable distribution of stipend funds across the San Diego County workforce, the following groups are not eligible: transitional kindergarten (TK) staff, special education teachers employed by school districts, San Diego Quality Preschool Initiative (SDQPI) / Learn Well Stipend participants, and recipients of Early Education Teacher Development Grant (EETD) or Workforce Investment Tuition Assistance Program funds.

I understand that stipends will be awarded based on the priorities outlined on the WPG Professional Learning Stipend website and that my stipend may be denied if funding is exhausted before the end of the program year.

I understand that to be eligible, individuals not currently employed in an early learning setting must be enrolled as students in Early Childhood Education or Child Development programs, with a demonstrated goal of pursuing a career in the early education field. I understand that I can contact the stipend team at wpgstipend@sdcoe. net for any questions, comments, or concerns.

1. Complete and submit the WPG Professional Learning Stipend Application on the Workforce Registry by Feb. 1, 2025.

2. Upload your W-9 Form into the Workforce Registry, by Feb. 15, 2025.

3. Complete the pre-stipend survey by Feb. 15, 2025.

4. Receive employment verification within the Workforce Registry by April 30, 2025. 5.

Ensure all professional learning documentation (professional development training or credit bearing coursework) is verified within the Workforce Registry by April 30, 2025. 6. Upload your Professional Development Plan (also referred to as a Professional Growth Plan or Quality Improvement Plan) to the Workforce Registry by April 30, 2025.

7. Complete at least two hours of workforce advisement by April 30, 2025. 8.

Complete the post-stipend survey by April 30, 2025. Applications will open Sept. 1 , 2024.

To submit a complete stipend application, your employment must be correct and updated within the Workforce Registry. Here’s how to update your employment within the Workforce Registry in English or in Spanish . Please ensure you choose the pathway that aligns with your goals before submitting your application.

To change your stipend pathway, you must email the WPG Stipend team at wpgstipend@sdcoe. net before the application due date. Changes cannot be made after the application deadline has passed.

Here’s how to apply for and view your application status for a stipend in the Workforce Registry How to apply for and view your application in English or How to apply for and view your application in Spanish . You can access a W-9 form in English or Spanish here with highlighted sections that you need to complete, sign, and upload to your Workforce Registry account. For additional information, visit https://www.

irs. gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-9 . Here’s how to upload a document on the Workforce Registry in English or in Spanish .

Your W-9 form must match your Workforce Registry profile information exactly. If you have a current/verified W-9 in your Workforce Registry account from a previous stipend, you do not need to upload a new one. If you move or change your name after submitting your W-9 Form, please inform us via email at wpgstipend@sdcoe.

net . You will also need to complete and upload a new W-9 Form into the Workforce Registry. Pre-stipend survey link: https://sprw.

io/stt-HWw6K The Retention Stipend and WPG Professional Learning Stipend use the same pre-stipend survey. Completing this survey once will count toward both stipends. After it is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation of completion for your records.

Here’s how to update your employment within the Workforce Registry in English or in Spanish . Your employer must verify your employment directly within the Workforce Registry. Please contact your employer to complete this task.

Students enrolled in ECE/CD coursework who are not yet employed in an early learning and care setting are required to identify as students in the Workforce Registry instead of completing employment verification. All professional learning activities must have been completed between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. Credit bearing coursework must be from an accredited institute of higher education.

To verify an institution’s accreditation, please refer to the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs . When submitting professional learning documentation, it's important to note that verification through the Workforce Registry may take several weeks. It is highly encouraged to upload documents well before the due date to avoid delays.

Here’s how to find your Education and Training Report to ensure professional learning activities are verified in the Workforce Registry in English or in Spanish . Your workforce advisor can assist you in completing this plan. If you already have an educational plan from your college/university, you can upload it the place of a Professional Development Plan.

Below is an example of the Professional Development Plan: This requirement can be fulfilled with your workforce advisor through various methods, including but not limited to, virtual or in-person meetings, phone or email communications, and both group and individual settings, to best accommodate your needs.

SDCOE will provide you with the details of your assigned workforce advisor via email within two weeks of your application submission. Post-stipend survey link: CCWIP and WPG Post Stipend Survey The Retention Stipend and WPG Professional Learning Stipend use the same post-stipend survey. Completing this survey once will count toward both stipends.

After it is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation of completion for your records. Within 2 weeks of submitting your application, you will be assigned and contacted by a Stipend Advisor who will help to answer questions regarding your stipend application, requirements, and deadlines to ensure your success. Contact the WPG Professional Learning Stipend team via email at wpgstipend@sdcoe.

net . Please include your Workforce Registry ID number when reaching out so that we may better support you.