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
The AWARD$ Plus program is designed to better compensate and retain well-educated teachers and family child care educators working with our youngest children.
Learn more with our AWARD$ Plus video, or download the flyer.
Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® Plus Webinar
Testimonials
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Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® always seems to come right on time. It helps me to stay in infant-toddler care. It motivates me to keep going, helps me to realize that somebody cares, and shows that infant and toddler teachers are not forgotten.
— participating teacher
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Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® is a wonderful incentive that encourages infant-toddler caregivers to continue working in their positions and to contribute to more meaningful relationships with the children and families they care for.
— participating teacher
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Honestly, this program is simply the best! I am more motivated to be the best teacher I can be and I encourage others to continue working towards their goals of receiving their degree… Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® 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
AWARD$ Plus News
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The Future of the Child Care Workforce: Building a Bridge to the Post-Pandemic Economy
The reason this pandemic economy is particularly challenging for the child care workforce is that for decades, child care was one of the lowest-paid jobs across occupations. A permanent solution to the child care workforce wage and benefit challenge is needed. Economic recovery and growth depend on it. -
“We All Need a Chance to Succeed”: Appreciating AWARD$ Plus with Arietha Brunson
“Both WAGE$ and AWARD$ Plus are helping to alleviate the financial burden that we have faced, and I would like to see WAGE$ funded in every county because Guilford doesn’t have access to WAGE$. We all need a chance to succeed.” -
It’s Long Past Time Early Childhood Teachers Earned a Worthy Wage
Tomorrow is Worthy Wages Day, but it’s long past time for early educators to earn the professional compensation and benefits they deserve.
Have questions? We can help!
Thank you for your interest in the AWARD$ 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