You may be eligible for INCENTIVE$ in Hillsborough County if you meet the following criteria:
  • Earn less than $25.00 per hour as an early childhood educator in Hillsborough County. This includes Directors, Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Floaters or Family Child Care Home educators.
  • Work in a licensed or license-exempt child care program (center or family child care home)
  • Work in a School Readiness or VPK site contracted with the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County
  • Be employed at least six months at this same child care program at the time of employment confirmation
  • Work in your program at least 20 hours per week with children birth to 5 years of age
  • Have at least one of the education levels listed on the INCENTIVE$ Scale (from a regionally accredited college)

*All INCENTIVE$ stipend payments are contingent upon funding availability. Please direct any funding related questions to your local Early Learning Coalition.

Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County Logo
Attn: Hillsborough County Early Educators
Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County Logo

Due to a shortfall of School Readiness funding this year, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) will no longer be providing the INCENTIVE$ Program (effective July 2025). Please contact our office at 813-515-2340 for more information or to share your concerns.

Our commitment to supporting early learning educators and family child care home providers remain strong. We encourage you to continue your educational journey with the TEACH Early Childhood® Scholarship Program. Please visit their website for professional development opportunities.