About the Delaware Child Care Bonus

Delaware is utilizing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to provide bonuses to early childhood care and education professionals who have been working with children in licensed child care settings in the state.

This bonus is designed to acknowledge individuals who are currently caring for young children and have continued to do so during the pandemic.

To be eligible for the bonus, you must be an early childhood care and education professional working directly with children and/or providing support on-site in a licensed family child care home, large family child care home, or early care and education and school-age center, and:

• At least 18 years or older.
• Currently working directly with children in a licensed child care program (including administrators and those providing on-site support such as food service staff).
• Employed for at least 20 hours per week.
• Working for at least 90 days in a licensed child care program at the time that you apply.

To get started on your application, complete your My Early Childhood Career Journey profile in the Delaware Professional Portal. After completion, you will receive your personalized link to the Delaware Child Care Bonus Application. You must fill out this online application and provide the necessary documentation to show you meet the above criteria.

Once your information is verified and approved, you will receive $1,000 via direct deposit or mailed check (your choice). Only one award will be paid to any individual.