Child Care WAGE$ Florida WORKS!

As a unique initiative that is currently in selected counties, the Child Care WAGE$^® FLORIDA Project is a successful strategy that rewards commitment and ongoing educational achievement through semi-annual salary supplements to early childhood practitioners. The supplement amounts for WAGE$ participants are determined based on their educational accomplishments and continued employment at an early care and education setting. Operated by the Children's Forum and funded through local early learning coalitions or children's services councils, WAGE$ recognizes and rewards ongoing professional development.

During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, 1,676 participants received salary supplements through the WAGE$ program (View the WAGE$ annual report for more information on program outcomes). Mary Morris is one such participant who reports that WAGE$ allowed her to further her education and help young children thrive.

When Mary Morris had her first child at the age of 40, she began to consider a career change. She wanted to the ability to spend more time with her baby daughter. After exploring career options, Mary thought about opening up her own child care facility through her home.

"I found it getting difficult to juggle my career and the time I spent with my daughter," said Mary. I've always loved children and I thought if I opened up my own facility, it would allow me to have the best of both worlds."

Along with her friend Sandra, Mary decided to go back to school and pursue an associate's degree in early care and education at Palm Beach Community College. She knew the skills she learned would help prepare children for school and provide positive outcomes. However, Mary could not afford college on her own. To help offset the costs of going back to school, Mary decided to participate in WAGE$.

"The WAGE$ supplements helped me purchase additional toys and school materials for my home child care business," Mary explains. "I was able to afford a lot of things that I really wouldn't have been able to do without a struggle. In addition, Sandra and I are both thankful for the WAGE$ staff who helped us in so many ways and who we consider friends."

While participating in WAGE$, Mary was a full time student and moved up the supplement scale three times. Her hard work and dedication paid off and she earned her associate's degree from Palm Beach Community College in May of 2008.

"I feel good about what I have achieved; it's a good feeling to know that I could do at my age what younger people can do," said Mary. "I hope others are encouraged by my story and will take the plunge because it is never too late to further your education to help children. Only if we help children can they succeed."

For more information about WAGE$, please call (888) 352-4453 or visit www.thechildrensforum.com/WAGE$.

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Child Care WAGE$ Florida WORKS!