About the Wage Supplement Program
This program closed June 30, 2025. This information is available for reference only.
Eligible early childhood teachers and teacher assistants working in licensed, funded programs can get a one-time payment of $2,800. Payments were limited and first-come, first served.
The act requires the Office of Early Childhood establish and administer a wage supplement program to provide a one-time payment of at least $1,800 to eligible early childhood teachers and teacher assistants working in licensed, funded programs. Read Public Act 24-91.
Who could apply
To get this funding, you needed to meet all 4 requirements:
1. Have a current account in the OEC Early Childhood Professional Registry
2. Work in an OEC-licensed family child care home, child care center or group home that receives any of the following OEC funding:
- School Readiness
- Child Day Care contract
- State Head Start supplement
3. As reported in the OEC Registry under Building / Managing Staff, work as a teacher or assistant teacher either
- In a designated classroom at least 50% of their hours or
- As a classroom floater 100% of their hours
4. Have confirmed employment in your program for 6 or more months
Also, if you’re a family child care owner, make sure you are assigned as the Teacher.
Awards
OEC sent emails with our decision (using the email address you use for your Registry login).
How much funding did providers receive?
Each awardee received $2,800.
Were part-time workers eligible?
Yes, the legislation awarded the same amount for all teaching staff members.
If providers worked at 2 programs, did they get two awards?
No, this was a one-time award per eligible person.
Payment
Recipients were paid by direct deposit into the account you choose when you apply. They weren’t charged any fees for this service by our vendor. OEC did not issue paper checks.
Recipients could use the money just as would use a paycheck. They didn’t have to report the way they used it.
These payments are taxable income. You’ll receive the appropriate form for filing your taxes. If you want help planning for taxes, please contact the Women’s Business Development Council for assistance at 203-751-9550 ext. 113 or childcarebusiness@ctwbdc.org.
Why do I have to provide a SSN or ITIN?
The OEC Registry began requiring the SSN/ITIN to link to the Background Check Information System (BCIS) and to have the one true unique identifier across systems (see the Registry’s Privacy Policy). You’ll receive the proper tax form to use in filing your taxes by January 31 of the next year.
What if my SSN or ITIN is wrong?
If your SSN/ITIN or any other information in your application is incorrect, please contact your county’s lead Registry staffer. Do not apply until all information is correct.
Will my SSN/ITIN information be secure?
We take data security very seriously. Your SSN or ITIN and your bank account information are encrypted once you enter them in the Registry and data is transferred securely. We’ve also updated our login security and password protection. Please also see the Registry’s Privacy Policy for more details.