WAGE$
What is Child Care WAGE$® Iowa?
Child Care WAGE$® Iowa (WAGE$) is a salary supplement program offered by Iowa AEYC. WAGE$ works hand-in-hand with T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Iowa. WAGE$ offers salary supplements (also called stipends) to the early care and education workforce, based on the individual’s level of formal education and commitment to their program.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible to receive a WAGE$ stipend you must:
- Work in an HHS-regulated early care and education program that accepts Child Care Assistance (CCA)
- Earn at or below $25/hour (any eligible position)
- Have one of the education levels listed in the supplement scale (see below), from regionally accredited schools
- Work 20 hours or more per week with children birth to preschool-age at least six months in the same child care program and be employed there when a final confirmation has been completed
What are the award levels?
Below is the WAGE$ Supplement Scale, effective July 1, 2024. Read more about WAGE$ in our Overview Booklet (PDF).
| Level | Education Requirement | Tier 0 | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Master’s or Doctorate Degree plus or including 24 EC credits Bachelor’s Degree with a Teaching License with an EC Endorsement | $3,500 | $5,250 | $9,200 |
| 9 | Master’s or Doctorate Degree plus or including 18 EC credits Bachelor’s Degree plus or including 24 EC credits | $2,900 | $4,350 | $7,600 |
| 8 | Master’s or Doctorate Degree plus or including 9 EC credits Bachelor’s Degree plus or including 15 EC credits | $2,300 | $3,450 | $6,050 |
| 7 | Associate Degree plus or including 24 EC credits Master’s or Doctorate Degree (less than 9 EC credits)* Bachelor’s Degree (less than 15 EC credits)* 90 credits toward a Bachelor’s Degree plus or including 24 EC credits* | $1,800 | $2,700 | $4,750 |
| 6 | Associate Degree plus or including 12 EC credits* 60 credits general education plus or including 18 EC credits* | $1,400 | $2,100 | $3,700 |
| 5 | Early Childhood Community College Diploma* 36 credits general education plus or including 12 EC credits* Associate Degree (less than 12 EC credits)* | $1,100 | $1,650 | $2,900 |
| 4 | 24 credits general education plus or including at least 6 EC credits* | $800 | $1,200 | $2,100 |
| 3 | 12 EC college credits (could be part of a CDA Credential™, Apprenticeship, Community College EC Certificate, etc.)* | $500 | $750 | $1,300 |
| 2 | Active Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ (earned with less than 12 college credits)* | $350 | $525 | $900 |
| 1 | High School Diploma and training not for college credit | N/A | N/A | N/A |
*Temporary levels of education. Early care and education providers at one of these levels must move to a higher level within two years to retain eligibility. Deadlines will be reestablished at each temporary level.
What are the tiers?
Tier 0: Pre-IQ4K®. NEW effective July 1, 2024.
This is a temporary tier for center-based teachers scheduled at least 20 hours per week with children ages birth-PreK. Home-based providers and center directors not eligible for this tier. Participants have two years on this tier for their program to earn a quality rating or they become ineligible.
Tier 1: Providers whose programs are on IQ4K® levels 1-2.
Tier 2: Providers whose programs are on IQ4K® levels 3-5.
Other notes on the scale
Supplement totals shown represent annual awards for full-time eligibility.
The following notes apply to multiple levels throughout the scale:
- EC credits are defined as college coursework focused children ages birth to PreK.
- General education, such as English, Math and Science, is coursework earned toward a two or four year degree.
Questions?
Call 515-331-8000 to speak to a counseling specialist or email wages@iowaaeyc.org.
Ready to apply?
Apply online here. If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact wages@iowaaeyc.org for an alternate application.
WAGE$ is a licensed program of Early Years.
Child Care WAGE$® Iowa is funded by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
