Early Educator Wage Initiative Program
overview and selection process

The Early Educator Wage Initiative is to support licensed child care providers across Regions 6 and 9. This exciting opportunity provides monthly stipends to early educators—helping strengthen wages, stabilize programs, and ensure that every child and family has access to quality care. 

Program Status

The Early Educator Wage Initiative application period closed in Fall 2025. Participating programs were selected through a regional review process, and stipend payments began in January 2026. The program is not currently accepting new applications.

Selection Process

Licensed child care providers across Regions 6 and 9 were invited to participate by completing an online application survey during the fall 2025 application period. The survey collected key program information needed for evaluation and regional workforce analysis.

After the application window closed, Child Care Network (CCN) convened a review committee composed of coalition members with no conflicts of interest. Each committee member independently reviewed and scored applications using a standardized rubric. CCN staff then reviewed and verified all scores to ensure accuracy and consistency across the evaluation process. The rubric evaluated factors such as workforce stability, program capacity, and regional child care needs.

Based on the number of applications and the distribution of scores, a minimum cut score was established. Programs meeting or exceeding this threshold moved into their county’s eligibility pool.

To ensure representation across the entire region, stipend allocations were distributed to counties based on the percentage of licensed child care programs located in each county. Within each county, a computerized weighted selection process was used to determine final participants, using application scores to guide the selection.

Selected programs receive grant stipends that are distributed directly to eligible staff employed under the program’s license. Eligible staff are primarily classroom educators serving as Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, or Family Child Care Assistants.

Participating programs identify eligible staff members and submit monthly funding requests along with payroll documentation verifying that stipends were distributed to participating employees.

Following an increase in regional funding, additional educators are now being added from the pool of previously submitted applications.

MiRegistry and Sharing Salary Information 

MiRegistry is the state’s main source for collecting accurate wage data from early educators. This information is essential for: 

• Informing policy and funding decisions that support wage growth. 

• Providing accurate data to RCCCs, legislators, and advocates. 

• Demonstrating workforce needs and progress over time. 

When all participants share and maintain current salary data, it strengthens statewide efforts to secure ongoing investments in the early education workforce. 

Additional Important Information:

Determining Income for Home-Based Child Care Business Owners 

To determine income, refer to Schedule C from the most recent federal tax return. Providers should keep a paper or digital copy of this form. 

• Annual income: Use Line 31 on Schedule C. 

• Monthly income: Divide Line 31 by 12. 

• Weekly income: Divide Line 31 by 52. 

Guidance on Accepting a Wage Supplement 

In most cases, home-based child care business owners benefit financially from accepting a wage supplement, even after taxes. 

However, if the supplement raises taxable income enough to affect income-based public benefits (such as health coverage, tax credits, or student financial aid), providers should carefully weigh the added income versus potential loss of benefits. 

It is strongly recommended that providers consult a tax preparer or financial advisor for advice specific to their situation. 

Tax Liability 

Participation in the wage initiative may affect an educator’s taxes. 

• Employers are responsible for paying payroll and withholding taxes. 

• Educators must pay any applicable income or other taxes on the wage supplements they receive. 

• Educators are encouraged to consult a tax professional to understand how the additional income may impact their tax liability. 

For questions about eligibility or the application process, please Contact Us