Early Educator Pandemic Retention Bonuses
The RI Department of Human Services (DHS) is excited to facilitate the administration of the Early Educator Pandemic Retention Bonus program. This program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF), as appropriated by Governor Dan McKee and the General Assembly. This program is intended to invest in early educators by offering bonuses to direct child care staff employed at licensed child care providers. Intended to supplement educators’ compensation to support retention and recruitment in the early learning sector, the program will also recognize the vital work that early educators do in supporting the State’s littlest learners. Full time and part-time employees at licensed center or family child care programs ¬ who work directly with children during some portion of the average day may be eligible to apply.
| Window | Timeline | Funding Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Window #6 | July 3, 2023- July 31, 2023 | $750.00 |
|
| Application Window #7 |
*October 2, 2023 – October 31, 2023 *These dates are tentative |
$750.00 |
|
| Application Window #8 |
*January 1-31, 2024 *These dates are tentative |
$750.00 |
|
| Application Window #9 |
*April 1-30, 2024 *These dates are tentative |
$750.00 |
|
| Application Window #10 |
July 1-12, 2024
|
TBD |
|
Submit an Eligibility Form
- How to access: The form will gather basic information, including your name, email, DHS-licensed program at which you work, and your role. This form will take approximately 5 minutes. This application may be completed on a computer, tablet or mobile device.
- Purpose: This Eligibility Form will be used to verify your employment. Information gathered in this form will shared by email with your DHS-licensed program employer for verification of your employment. Once verified, you will be emailed the link to the full application.
Submit Application
- How to access: The link to the full application will be sent directly to your email (as submitted in the Eligibility Form) from childcaregrants@pcgus.com. Additional instructions will be included in this email.
Track Progress of Application
- Each applicant is responsible for tracking the progress of their application through the bonus process. If you have not received an automated update after Step One or Two, or would like to know the status of your application in the process, you can contact childcaregrants@pcgus.com.