Important Announcement About AWARD$ Plus

The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) has generously funded AWARD$ Plus for several years, and we appreciate their support. In order to follow federal rules regarding the need to bid out funded programs every few years, the contract for AWARD$ Plus will end in January 2026 and no further supplements will be issued through this specific program. While we know that is difficult to hear, the good news is that we expect DCDEE to start an alternative supplement program shortly after AWARD$ Plus ends.

We do not yet know the funding or eligibility details for this new program, but we will pass along any information we can as more is known so that you can prepare accordingly. 

AWARD$ Plus will continue to issue supplements to those who qualify for commitment periods ending December 2025 and earlier based on the funding we have available. In other words, one more supplement payment will be issued to those who qualify.

Applications will still be accepted for this one payment. Take advantage of this opportunity while you can! You can learn more about eligibility here. The Child Care WAGE$® Program is also still available in counties that elected to fund it with their Smart Start dollars. Learn more here or contact a WAGE$ specialist at 919-967-3272.

We understand how important these supplements are for infant-toddler educators and we appreciate your patience as we work through this transition to a new program.