Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® Plus provides education-based salary supplements to low-paid early educators working full-time with children birth through age two in North Carolina. If you’re just learning about the AWARD$ Plus program, be sure to check out the program overview, F.A.Q, and learn about the results AWARD$ Plus can provide. You’ll also find information on how to qualify and apply.
Get Started with AWARD$ Plus
Qualify
Do you know if you qualify for AWARD$ Plus? We make it easy with a list of applicant requirements and more.
Apply
Ready to apply? Use our application resources to get started.
Results
Learn more about the results that the AWARD$ Plus program provides. See facts and figures, and read testimonials from program participants.
Program Overview
Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® Plus provides education-based salary supplements to low-paid early educators working full-time with children birth through age two in North Carolina. Learn more about AWARD$ Plus funding.
Infant Toddler AWARD$® Plus is designed to increase the compensation, education and retention of teachers and family child care educators working with our youngest children.
Watch the video or download the PDF flyer to learn more!
Testimonials
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Honestly, this program is simply the best! I am more motivated to be the best teacher I can be and I encourage others to continue working towards their goals of receiving their degree… Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® has made me feel as if I do make a difference in my place of work and in the lives of the children and families I give care to. It means a lot, knowing someone appreciates what I have a heart’s desire to do and is supportive of me through this program.
— participating teacher
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The program has encouraged staff to pursue more education. The children will have more educated teachers and they will be less likely to seek other employment. Children will have more continuity of care.
— participating director
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This supplement has increased the morale of the teachers and assisted them in furthering their education. Better morale and education cause the teachers to be better for the children in my program. I am well pleased with the results of this supplement.
— participating director
AWARD$ Plus News
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Appreciating AWARD$ Plus: Doris Lee
Doris Lee is a Dare County Early Childhood Professional and onsite Administrator of a 4 star licensed facility. She is a strong advocate for Early Childhood and strives every day to be an influential resource to her fellow teachers, the children and their families as she serves in the field. She wants to raise awareness about how child care needs are not being met, including fair compensation for early educators, and the resources that are not available. Doris said, “AWARD$ Plus allows me to be able to take care of my financial obligations along with my living expenses. Our line of work deserves competitive wages for teachers and administrators to feel appreciated and respected as they fight the good fight. Early childhood educators shouldn’t be financially struggling to maintain the basics of everyday life all because they chose to work with children.” -
First Year in Review: Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® Plus
First year? In many ways, yes! If you are familiar with Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$®, then you know this education-based salary supplement program actually began back in 2018. However, in FY23, the program transitioned to AWARD$ Plus with expanded eligibility. The primary differences in eligibility are shown below. -
Appreciating AWARD$ Plus: Veronica Pigford
Veronica Pigford loves working with two-year-olds, but she didn’t start with this age group. “I came here for a summer job when I was working in the public school system and I just fell in love with infants and toddlers,” Veronica said. “I love all the children, but I am so happy working with the twos. They love you so much. They cling to you. They appreciate you and are eager to learn new things. I really like being part of that.”
Have questions? We can help!
Thank you for your interest in the AWARD$ Plus Program. When calling or leaving a voicemail, please reference AWARD$ Plus. You can also send us a message online. Mail paperwork to:
Child Care Services Association
Attn: AWARD$ Plus
PO Box 901
Chapel Hill, NC 27514