Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® (AWARD$) 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$ program, be sure to check out the program overview, F.A.Q, and learn about the results AWARD$ can provide. You’ll also find information on how to qualify and apply.
Get Started with AWARD$
Qualify
Do you know if you qualify for AWARD$? We make it easy with a list of applicant requirements and more.
Apply
Ready to apply? Use our application resources to get started.
Results
Learn more about the results that the AWARD$ program provides. See facts and figures, and read testimonials from program participants.
Program Overview
The AWARD$ 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$ video, or download the flyer.
Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® Webinar
Testimonials
-
Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® 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
-
This supplement increases teacher pay, which of course helps to retain qualified early educators. This addition to their salary helps teachers earn more because they deserve more! The children benefit from a higher paid teacher in too many ways to count. Happy teachers equal happy kids!
— participating director
-
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
AWARD$ News
-
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$ with Arietha Brunson
“Both WAGE$ and AWARD$ 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$. We all need a chance to succeed.” -
It’s Long Past Time Early Childhood Teachers Earned a Worthy Wage
Tomorrow is Worthy Wages Day, but it’s long past time for early educators to earn the professional compensation and benefits they deserve.
Have questions? We can help!
Thank you for your interest in the AWARD$ Program. When calling or leaving a voicemail, please reference AWARD$. You can also send us a message online. Mail paperwork to:
Child Care Services Association
Attn: AWARD$
PO Box 901
Chapel Hill, NC 27514