Applications now being accepted for Early Childhood Workforce Stipend Program

On Wednesday, November 30 the Early Childhood Workforce Stipend Program, developed by the Milwaukee Early Childhood Education Coalition and facilitated by the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, officially launched. The effort will provide eligible early childhood educators in Milwaukee with up to $1,500 over three installments, and is funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars from the City of Milwaukee.

Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, who led the effort for early childhood education funding to be included in the City’s ARPA process, can’t wait to see the impact this program will make. “As a mother I cannot think of a better investment of our ARPA funds to rebuild post-pandemic. This money will help mostly women caregivers succeed, stabilize childcare in the city, and most importantly ensure that our children can thrive,” she said. “I want to thank my colleagues for supporting this new initiative and investment, and believing we can do better in this space.”

To be eligible for the stipend program applicants must meet all eligibility requirements. Those eligible will receive a $1,500 stipend in three installments: the first installment, in the amount of $500, upon application and being found eligible; the second installment, in the amount of $500, four months later if eligibility continues; and the third installment, in the amount of $500, four months later if eligibility continues. Additional information, eligibility requirements, and application instructions can be found in English here and Spanish here.

Daria Hall, Milwaukee Succeeds Early Childhood Education Director and co-lead of the Milwaukee Early Childhood Education Coalition, believes the stipend program will make a profound impact locally. “Milwaukee’s early educators prepare our city’s youngest learners for success in K12 education and beyond, and ensure that the parents of young children can participate in the workforce.  But due to a broken business model early education programs can’t afford to pay these educators, almost all of whom are women and most of whom are Black or Brown, nearly what they deserve,” she said. “This wage stipend is a step toward righting that wrong and ensuring we have a stable, well-compensated early education workforce.  On behalf of the MKE ECE Coalition, we thank Alderwoman Dimitrijevic for championing this vital investment, and we honor the early educators whose stories and expertise made this investment possible.”

Those that have questions or are in need of additional assistance can email mkestipend@wisconsinearlychildhood.org or call (608) 230-8005.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.