San Diego CARES >About

WELCOME TO YEAR 7 OF THE SAN DIEGO CARES PROGRAM!

"A Stipend Program for Early Childhood Educators"

SD CARES began a seventh year, July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008. The purpose of San Diego CARES (Comprehensive Approaches to Raising Educational Standards) is to increase the quality of child care and worker retention by providing stipends to child care providers whom complete college courses towards a higher level permit on the Child Development Permit Matrix and/or towards a degree in Child Development or related major.

Each participant will be assigned to a Professional Development Track based on the number of units completed in Child Development and Child Development permit level, if held. The following is a brief description of the Professional Development Tracks. Click on the Track name to view detailed information about entry and program requirements to receive a stipend.

Professional Development Tracks

1. Track 1: FFN (Family Friend and Neighbor) - License exempt home based providers only. (Spanish)

2. Track 2: Entry - Completed less than 6 units of Child Development college coursework. (Spanish)

3. Track 3: Permit - Completed more than 6 units of Child Development college coursework and currently hold or have applied for a permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. (Spanish)

4. Track 4: Degree - Currently hold a Teacher level permit or higher and/or an AA degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or approved major. (Spanish)

5. Track 5: Advisor - Currently hold a Master Teacher Permit or higher, or a BA degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or approved major. (Enrollment is Limited) (Spanish)
   

This is a great opportunity for individuals who work with young children in child care settings to increase their education, improve their skills and earn a stipend. San Diego CARES is funded by grants from the First 5 Commission of San Diego County, First 5 California, and the California Department of Education, Child Development Division with funds administered by the County of San Diego. The YMCA Childcare Resource Service has been selected to administer the CARES program.

Application

If you would like to apply for the SD CARES program, click on one of the following links to download the application form:

• New Applicants - (English) or (Spanish)
• Continuing Applicants - (English) or (Spanish)