Child Care Workforce Stipends for Teaching & Caregiving Staff

Provider Retention/Incentive Payments

What is the Provider Retention/Incentive Payment?

Governor Gianforte and the Health Advisory Commission approved $7 million in one-time-only funds for child care workforce retention and incentive payments through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Providers who received $600 for Round 1 and are still employed in an eligible position will receive a second payment of $1,000 in February 2023. New child care professionals are eligible to submit December 1, 2022 through January 13, 2023 for a one-time payment of $600.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services is pleased to partner with the Early Childhood Project (ECP) at MSU to offer child care workforce retention/incentive payments.

When is this funding available?

Round 1 is now closed. Round 2 forms will be available online through your personal ECP registry account (under the Incentives and Awards tab) starting December 1, 2022. The deadline to submit your form and W9 is January 13, 2023. Round 2 payments are anticipated to be sent out in February 2023.

Do I qualify for this payment?

Eligible providers must be on the ECP Workforce Registry, currently employed in a licensed or registered Family, Group, or Center child care program, and an approved caregiver by Montana Child Care Licensing in one of the following positions:

Early Childhood Teacher (Full and Part Time)
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher (Full and Part Time)
School Age Teacher (Full and Part Time)
Director

How can I submit for this award?

Eligible Caregivers will need to complete an online form and a W-9. More information and instructions on how to submit for this award are available at Montana Early Childhood Project (ECP).