$1,000 from DECAL coming your way

A more formal FAQ sheet will be added to the site next week. Meanwhile:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the Supplemental Payments for Georgia's early education workforce:

Who is eligible to receive the bonus? The Early Childhood Professionals Bonus is available to Georgia’s early care and education (ECE) professionals working in Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) licensed child care programs, Department of Defense (DOD) programs, Early Head Start and Head Start programs, or Georgia’s Pre-K lead and assistant teachers in public schools. The bonus is intended to support ECE professionals working directly with children and their families.

Examples of eligible positions include:

− Family Child Care Learning Home Provider − Family Child Care Learning Home Teacher or Aide − Child Care Center Teacher − Child Care Center Assistant Teacher − Child Care Center Director − Child Care Center Assistant Director − Child Care Center Cook/Nutrition Staff − Child Care Center Bus Driver − Child Care Center Floater − Child Care Center Custodian/Janitorial Staff − Early Head Start/Head Start Lead Teacher − Early Head Start/Head Start Assistant Teacher − Georgia’s Pre-K Lead Teacher (private or public) − Georgia’s Pre-K Assistant Teacher (private or public)

What are the eligibility requirements to receive the bonus? To be eligible for the bonus, ECE professionals must meet the following criteria: − Must be employed by an eligible program for at least six weeks at time of applying for the bonus − Must work onsite at an eligible program at least 20 hours per week − Corporate or district level staff working in a central office are not eligible. − Volunteer work, practicums, substitute assignments, and internships do not qualify.

What types of ECE programs in Georgia are considered “eligible programs”? To be eligible for the bonus, ECE professionals must work in one of the following eligible programs:

− A Georgia child care center program licensed by DECAL or DOD − An exempt Georgia Head Start or Early Head Start program − Georgia’s Pre-K Program provider (private or public)

Does the program need to be open for an employee to be eligible? A program must be open and serving children at the time of applying for the bonus. Employees of a program experiencing a temporary closure due to COVID or a facility issue (i.e., water damage) are eligible.

Is the bonus taxable? Yes, the bonus is considered taxable income.

How can I apply for my bonus? DECAL is developing the application process. Information on how an ECE professional can apply will be provided as soon as the process is finalized.

How will the funds be distributed to early childhood professionals? DECAL is developing the process for distributing the bonuses with the goal of making it as simple as possible. Information on how the funds will be distributed will be provided as soon as the process is finalized.

When will the bonus be paid? The bonus will be paid in spring and summer 2021.