INCENTIVE$ Florida awards annual stipends between $450 and $5,000 to early learning educators, family child care home providers, and directors in participating counties, for their higher education achievements and commitment to their programs. In conjunction with the TEACH Early Childhood® Scholarship Program, this early learning quality initiative can help increase...
How can I apply for INCENTIVE$?
Eligible early learning educators and family child care providers must create and use a Children's Forum personal portal account to access the INCENTIVE$ online application. Applications must include: Proof of employment Formal education documents (ex. unofficial transcripts) Paystub or proof of your hourly wage Family child care home providers must...
How do I create my Children’s Forum portal account (Personal Account)?
Applicants must create a portal account using their personal email address. Please follow steps below: Visit https://login.thechildrensforum.com/ and click on the Create Account button Enter details as requested on each page (Name, DOB, Demographics, Address, etc.) Check your personal email account for a message from registryportal@thechildrensforum.com NOTE: Please allow up...
What is my director’s role in the INCENTIVE$ Program?
Directors must sign off on all applications and complete the employment verification for each eligible six-month commitment period. This is completed using a Children's Forum Business Account.
How can my director create a Children’s Forum Business Account?
Visit https://login.thechildrensforum.com/siteaccessrequest and follow all steps to create the early learning program's Business Account. Only the Director listed on the DCF license (Director of Record) will be able to access and/or create a Business Account.
How much money will I receive with INCENTIVE$?
The INCENTIVE$ Scale award levels range from $450 to $5,000 for full-time employees. These awards are based upon the participant's education level and reflect the schedule worked during a six-month commitment period (i.e., staff working part-time in the classroom receive prorated awards). Click here to view the INCENTIVE$ Scale.
When will I receive my INCENTIVE$ stipend?
INCENTIVE$ stipends are typically received 45 – 60 days after the participant’s employment is confirmed with their program director (Business Account). Stipend payments are loaded on an Akimbo Prepaid Mastercard that participants can easily access. If a participant did not work for an extended period during their required six-month commitment...
How can I increase my stipend award (move to a higher level)?
Participants can increase their level on the INCENTIVE$ Scale by increasing their education through college credits. The TEACH Early Childhood® Scholarship Program can help participants attain this additional education with little out-of-pocket costs. TEACH offers a variety of scholarship opportunities that include early learning credentials and renewals, college credits and...
What happens if I change jobs during my commitment period?
If you leave your child care center or family child care home before successfully completing a six-month commitment period, you will not receive an INCENTIVE$ stipend. Participants must be actively employed at the program from which they applied at the time of confirmation. If you move to another eligible early...
What is the continuing education requirement?
Participants at INCENTIVE$ Scale Levels 1 through 4 have a continuing education requirement to complete (one) three college-credit course in Early Childhood Education or Child Development to retain program eligibility. Center-based educators must satisfy the requirement every two years; family child care home providers every three years. Participants can use...