INCENTIVE$ Florida is an evidence-informed, outcome-driven early learning initiative that recognizes participants for their work and education, while helping increase stability across our state’s early childhood field. INCENTIVE$ awards annual stipends of up to $5,000 to early learning and family child care educators, directors, and owners for their higher education achievements and commitment to their programs. As shared by Child Care WAGE$ National, “Education-based salary supplements tied to the successful completion of commitment periods in the same child care program result in a more stable, better-educated workforce.” In conjunction with the TEACH Early Childhood^® Scholarship Program, INCENTIVE$ can address the primary indicators of quality in early learning and family child care programs across Florida – education, compensation, and retention. With nearly $6 million invested into early learning communities for funding year 2023-24, the impacts of INCENTIVE$ have a reach far beyond classrooms and early learning programs.

INCENTIVE$ is the Florida affiliate of Child Care WAGE$^®, an initiative of Early Years. The program is administered by the Children’s Forum and locally funded under contracts with early learning coalitions, children’s services councils, and private contributors. Through these contracts, INCENTIVE$ works to provide more equitable access to resources and financial support for members of our state’s underpaid early learning workforce. The program collaborates with local small business owners by providing them with an “incentive” to help attract qualified teachers and retain their best staff. In 2023, participants reported an 87% retention rate within their programs, exceeding the national averages of 60-70%.

If your organization is interested in making the investment to fund INCENTIVE$ for your community, our Team will help you reach the greatest number of participants. Based on your approved budget and chosen eligibility requirements, a reasonable amount to pilot the program could begin as little as $200,000. Your investment will be allocated to the stipends that go directly into the hands of your participants and in many instances, back into your local economy.

If you are interested in Making the Case for INCENTIVE$, please call us at 850-487-6300 or send an email to incentivesquestions@thechildrensforum.com to see what options we can provide within your budget. We will do our best to craft a productive and results-oriented solution. With INCENTIVE$, you can be a champion for your early learning community!