Earn a Stipend While Pursuing Your Degree

Number of Units Stipend Amount
3-5 Semester Units $400
6-11 Semester Units $1,000
12-24 Semester Units $2,000

Minimum of 3 units toward an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development (or equivalent), Human Development (Early Childhood Development or Child Development option), or taking coursework to obtain, renew, or upgrade a Child Development Permit.

Coursework with unofficial transcripts must be completed between July 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025.

Not Sure If You're Eligible?

Complete the quick survey below to find out if you are eligible for the Teacher Stipend program. The survey is available in , , and .

Get an Additional $300-$800 by Completing Education Milestones

One (1) Education Milestone stipend will be awarded per program year for the highest milestone achieved. If you are completing an Educational Milestone this program yearplease notify and provide supporting documentation by or before June 10, 2025.

Milestone Description Stipend Amount
Milestone 1 First-time application for a Child Development Permit $300
Milestone 2 Child Development Permit upgrade $400
Milestone 3 Associate’s Degree in Child Development/Early Childhood Education (or a related field approved by your ELC Stipend Program College Advisor) $600
Milestone 4 "Transfer Ready” for a Child Development/Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s degree (or a related field approved by your ELC Stipend Program College Advisor) $700
Milestone 5 Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree in Child Development/Early Childhood Education (or a related field approved by your ELC Stipend Program College Advisor) $800
Milestone 6 Obtain a PK-3 Credential $800

How to Apply

Complete the online Stipend Pathways Application by December 13, 2024, through the Stipend Module in the Workforce Registry.

  1. Login to your Registry Profile ()
  2. Select Stipends & Pathways -> Click Application -> 1) Update your profile
  3. Click Confirm and Continue -> 2) Select San Mateo: Early Learning and Care Teacher Stipend Program
  4. Complete the Application (a new application is required every year)
  5. Complete, Sign and Upload a  (a new W9 is required every year)
  6. Upload 2024-2025 Supplemental Forms (Permits, Transcripts, Professional Growth Plans / Ed Plans, Training Certificates) to the Workforce Registry by stipend deadlines

Visit the () for helpful resources and videos. 

Complete the Following to Qualify

Note that if you are taking classes towards a Bachelor’s degree, please submit an approved Education Plan from your four-year institution(s) to your ELC Stipend Program College Advisor for approval.

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Meet With an Advisor

Meet with an ELC Stipend Program College Advisor or Professional Growth Advisor to complete/update an Education Plan with coursework for the current academic year.

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Create an Education Plan

Download this Education Plan template and upload your completed Education Plan to the ECE Workforce Registry.

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Complete Coursework

Complete a minimum of 3 semester or 4  quarter units. Classes must be completed from a regionally accredited college or university and approved by your Advisor during the program year with a passing grade of ‘C’ or higher.

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Upload Transcripts

Upload transcripts to the ECE Workforce Registry by June 10, 2025.

Advising Staff

Please contact your local college advisor for Ed Plan support.

San Mateo County Community College ECE Program Staff

SMCCCD's ECE program staff advise students pursuing Child Development (CD) Permits, College Certificates, and CD/ECE AA Degrees. SMCCCD ECE advising services are available now until February 28, 2025 for SMCCCD students. 

      Jamie Hui

      Cañada College
      Program Services Coordinator
      huij@smccd.edu
      (650) 306-3404

      Michelle Amaral

      Skyline College
      Program Services Coordinator
      amaralm@smccd.edu       
      (650) 738-4304

      Advising for All Other Students

      Sara Gassner-Wollwage
      Early Learning Career Pathways Project Specialist
      sgwollwage@smcoe.org
      (650) 802-5643   (*limited evening advising available) 

      Michelle Amaral
      ED Plan Advisor Support
      amaralm@smccd.edu
      (650) 738-4304  
      (*limited evening advising available) 

      Academic Counselor Appointments for San Mateo County Community College Students

      SMCCCD students can schedule an appointment with a general academic counselor (not specific to ECE) through the links below.

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      Need Help with the ECE Workforce Registry?

      Sara Gassner-Wollwage

      Project Specialist, Early Learning Career Pathways

      Email: sgwollwage@smcoe.org

      Phone: (650) 802-5643

      Ian Johnson

      Student Services Specialist, P3 and Early Learning Services

      Email: ijohnson@smcoe.org

      Phone: (650) 802-5344