The Child Care WAGE$® Program is an evidence-informed, outcome-driven initiative designed to increase the education and retention of the early care and education workforce through increased compensation. Education-based salary supplements tied to the successful completion of commitment periods in the same child care program result in a more stable, better-educated workforce.
Download WAGE$ Reports
Participants, coworkers, employers, children, families and the community at large all benefit when teachers are more fairly compensated and children have a better chance to succeed in school and in life. Thanks to funding from participating local Smart Start partnerships and the Division of Child Development and Early Education, WAGE$ is making a difference across the state. Please see below for Child Care WAGE$® Program results.
2023
- Child Care WAGE$® Program: Statewide Summary (FY23)
- Child Care WAGE$® Program: NC Statewide Overview (FY23)
- Child Care WAGE$® Program: NC Statewide Report (FY23)
2022
Testimonials
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The WAGE$ Program is a huge help financially. It alleviates stress that I didn’t realize was snowballing into my classroom… I think there are many people out there who would agree that teachers are underpaid. It is helpful to feel appreciated and have the decreased financial burden.
— participating teacher
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WAGE$ has given me and my family my ‘WHY’ — why I do what I do, why I continue to love my profession, why I continue to further my professional development, why I want to further my education, why I want to give the families and students I have the opportunity to serve the BEST ME, why I have been in my position for 10 years in two months. I could go on and on about my whys.
— participating teacher
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The WAGE$ program helps me know my worth.
— participating teacher
Video Testimonials
For WAGE$ videos made available through the North Carolina Early Education Coalition, please see the NC Needs Child Care WAGE$ playlist.
Shartarka Carmon
After receiving WAGE$ for many years, Shartarka Carmon was such a strong advocate for the program that she was invited to join and share her knowledge and experience with our Advisory Committee. In this video she talks about how WAGE$ helped her achieve her degrees! She now helps other teachers access the program.
Have questions? We can help!
Call a WAGE$ counselor at 919-967-3272. We are available by phone Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. When calling please reference WAGE$. If you are a current participant please also mention the county in which you work. You can also send us a message online.