Delaware child care professionals new bonus opportunity, push to retain workers

DELAWARE – The Delaware Department of Education is now accepting applications for the state’s first-ever child care professional bonus program.

Thanks to $10.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, workers can receive up to $1,000.

The Department of Education says the move is a way to acknowledge and retain those caring for young children, as the pandemic highlighted the importance of child care as an industry.

“Half of the child care centers in Delaware are actually turning families away due to staffing shortages. We are having to close classrooms,” Delaware Department of Education’s Caitlin Gleason said. “We want to highlight the importance of the field and continue to advocate for higher wages for our workforce. Not just now, but in the future.”

To qualify, you must be a professional currently working with children or provide onsite support in Delaware and work at least 20 hours per week. You must also have worked at least 90 days in the last 6 months at the time of the application.

The bonus will be considered taxable income so you must at least be 18 years old.

Applications will be accepted through July 29th.

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