Get answers about the stipend program below
> Who is eligible to apply?
Professional Growth and Education Advancement Stipends are available to any person working in a participating Quality Counts program who meet the following requirements:
Positions such as food service workers, family advocates, home visitors and interns are NOT eligible to apply.
- Work in a State-funded/California Department of Education (CDE) Child Development Program OR a Quality Counts Partner Program in San Luis Obispo County as paid staff working directly with the children
- Work in a program that meets the requirements above for a minimum of 15 hours each week
- Have not submitted a notice to employer of intent to resign
Positions such as food service workers, family advocates, home visitors and interns are NOT eligible to apply.
> What are eligible professional development hours?
This program is intended to support Early Care and Education providers with the out-of-pocket costs of attending professional growth opportunities on their own time. Unless part of a pilot program or unique situation, if an applicant’s agency/supervisor paid for their time (i.e. wage/salary), these hours DO NOT apply for the stipend program.
> What are eligible units for the education stipend?
The Quality Counts Stipend Program is intended to assist current members of the workforce who are completing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Child Development (or a closely related field), achieving a Child Development Permit, or meeting employment educational requirements. Any units completed toward achieving a degree, permit, or work requirement will be eligible with proper documentation (ie. Academic Plan, CTC Professional Growth Plan, or confirmation from employer).
> How do I apply for a stipend?
Quality Counts Stipend applications are now available through HUBBE. You will be receiving information for log in and application process if you are a current QC member (attending our PD Pathways, applied at Kickoff or at an informational meeting).
For questions on your current enrollment with Quality Counts, email [email protected]
For questions on your current enrollment with Quality Counts, email [email protected]
> Do I need to complete the professional growth plan to get a stipend?
Yes and No, the professional growth plan is required FOR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH STIPEND APPLICANTS ONLY. EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT STIPEND APPLICANTS are not required to complete this form.
> I have a training that will be completed after the May 31 deadline. Will this count toward my stipend?
Documents will not be accepted after the May 31st deadline. Please hold on to the certificate and apply it toward the next stipend period.
> I am taking a class that ends after the May 31 DEADLINE. Will these units count towards my stipend?
Documents will not be accepted after the May 31st deadline. However, you WILL be able to apply it toward the next stipend period.
> I completed academic coursework and at least 21 professional growth hours. Can I apply for both of the stipends for individuals?
Applicants may choose only one area of focus per stipend year—Professional Growth OR Education Advancement.
> Can I submit my documents in-person or by mail?
ALL documents must be documented through HUBBE to be valid.
> I applied for a stipend. Am I guaranteed approval and payment?
Stipends are not guaranteed upon submission of documentation. So don't wait!! Stipends will be processed in the order received and awarded based on the availability of funds. Applicants may check their ECE Workforce Registry account for the status of their stipend. If you have further questions after checking your status, contact [email protected]
> I applied for a stipend and received an approval notification. How will I receive payment?
Individual recipients who have been awarded will receive a check by mail in the order of approval to the address submitted on the W-9 form. Please update QC staff with changes to personal information immediately.
If you have questions that are not included here, email us!