General Information
Q: Is the STAR stipend the same as the training and retention stipend that I received in the past?
A: Yes, it is the same project, still under the Office of Early Care and Education. We have created a logo and given it our own unique name.
Q: Is STAR the same as CARES?
A: Yes, STAR is the same as CARES. CARES is the California First 5 initiative that provides the funding to the STAR project.
Q: What does STAR stand for?
A: Stipends for Training And Retention
Q: What does CARES stand for?
A: Comprehensive Approaches to Raising Educational Standards
Q: What is the goal of the STAR project?
A: The goal of the STAR project is to promote the on-going professional development and retention of the Early Care and Education professionals who are providing care for children ages 0-5 in Santa Barbara County.
Q: Is there more than one stipend application and which one should I use?
A: There is only one stipend application for all participants in FY 05-06. The application is available in English and Spanish.
Q: What happens if there is not enough money to fund everyone that applies?
A: The project will first look at reducing all stipends across the board and then will look at other ways to ensure that all eligible applicants are funded. This may include reduction or elimination of supplemental stipend and initiating priorities. Priorities are available upon request.
Q: Who is the first priority for funding?
A: The first priority is to Family Child Care providers and staff in center based programs that are a part of the school readiness initiative or reside within API 1-3 elementary school district boundaries. Specific school information is available upon request.
Q: I have submitted documentation such as transcripts, proof of environmental rating scale training etc in the past. Do I have to re-submit these documents?
A: Yes, you will need to resubmit documentation that shows proof of your yearly eligibility. This would include rating scale training verification, copy of permit, additional professional development hours and college units. Detailed information is included in the stipend application.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
A: The Office of Early Care and Education has developed an entry eligibility declaration form that outlines the minimum entry eligibility requirements. Declaration forms were due to the Office of Early Care and Education in September 2005.
Q: What if I had a lapse of service and do not meet the 9 month requirement?
A: Some exceptions will apply. Each incident will be viewed on a case by case basis. STAR applications include questions regarding lapse of service.
Q: How will I select the track for my stipend?
A: Track assignment will be completed at the STAR advising session.
Return to top of page
Application Deadline
Q: What is the application deadline?
A: The application deadline is January 20, 2006.
Q: Where do I mail my STAR application?
A; All STAR applications will be turned in to a STAR advisor at the STAR advisor session. No applications will be accepted via the mail.
Return to top of page
Stipend Awards
Q: How will I know if I will receive a stipend?
A: All applications will be reviewed during the STAR advisor sessions held October 2005 – January 2006. Applicants that are determined to be eligible will receive an award letter in Feb/March 2006.
Q: When can I expect to get my check?
A: Checks will be mailed in March/April 2006.
Q: What if I was awarded a stipend in previous years and did not apply last year (FY 04-05)?
A: You are still eligible to apply in FY 05-06. You must meet all the entry eligibility requirements and all the FY 05-06 annual participation requirements before a full stipend will be awarded.
Taxes
Q: Is the STAR award considered taxable income?
A: In January 2007, you will receive a 1099 stating your stipend amount. It is your responsibility to report this as income – check with your accountant or tax preparer.
Q: How should I claim my STAR award on my tax returns?
A: STAR recipients should claim the stipend as “other income” (Box #3 on the IRS tax form) Each January, a 1099 form will be sent to the home address of each STAR recipient who received a stipend of $600 or more. It is the responsibility of the recipient to notify the project of any address change.
STAR Application Clinic
Q: Do I have to attend an application clinic to be eligible for a stipend?
A: Returning STAR applicants are not required to attend a workshop. Applications can be obtained by stopping by the office and picking up an application, calling the office and requesting an application be mailed or downloading the application from the Office of Early Care and Education website.
First time STAR applicants are required to attend a mandatory STAR information session in September 2005.
Return to top of page
Job Classification Eligibility
Q: If I received a stipend as a Family Child Care provider in the past and now work at a center, am I still eligible for a stipend?
A: Yes, you are still eligible to apply as long as you can show proof of working for 9 months in one location between the employment dates listed on the application. You will submit a center-based application.
Q: My spouse is a co-owner of the family childcare business. Can both of us get a stipend?
A: Both of you must show proof of working a minimum of 15 hours per week with children and have met the minimum eligibility requirements and the annual participation requirements.
Q: Can the director of a program qualify for a stipend?
A: Yes, directors of program are eligible to apply for a STAR stipend in FY 05-06, if they are located on site with the staff and have not attained their BA degree in ECE and are actively engaged in taking classes working towards their AA or BA degree in ECE, meet all the annual participation requirements and all the entry eligibility requirements.
Q: Am I eligible for a stipend if I am a substitute?
A: On call substitutes are not eligible to apply. However if you are currently working at a licensed center and can show proof that you worked 15 hours per week for 9 months at one employer as a long term substitute – your application will be taken into consideration. There however is not guarantee of funding.
Q: Am I eligible to apply for a stipend if I conduct home visits with families or are a home educator?
A: We are sorry that we are not able to fund these types of professionals this year. We will be looking to the future to secure funding for these types of positions.
Salary Eligibility
Q: Do I have to disclose my salary in order to get a stipend?
A: Yes – all of the information on the application is required for your application to be considered complete. Everything that is requested is a mandate by the funding agencies.
Q: Is there a salary cap, in which I would not be eligible to apply?
A: Yes, a salary cap has been set by our funding source. Early Care and Education professionals whose gross salary from childcare wages is over $60,000 per year are not eligible. For Family Child Care Providers the Schedule C net profit can not exceed $60,000.
Return to top of page
Employment Eligibility
Q: Can volunteer time with children count toward my employment hours?
A: No, you must be a paid employee in a licensed childcare program
Q: What if my 9 months was with another employer and not with my current employer?
A: You must show proof of working for 9 months with the current employer. Applicants have till December 31, 2005 to acquire the 9 months of employment.
Q: What date do I need to have begun working at the program to be eligible for the 9 months?
A: If you are in a center based program you must have begun work on or before March 1, 2005. If you are a licensed family child care provider and are not applying for Spruce Up you must have been licensed on or before March 1, 2005. If you are a licensed Family Child Care Provider and are participating in Spruce up you must have been licensed on or before May 1, 2005.
Q: What if I was laid off from my employer due to California budget issues?
A: You are still eligible to apply as long as you are currently working in a licensed childcare facility. Your past employer must sign the employer verification page indicating you were working for them for 9 months during the employment eligibility period. You may also submit a personal note explaining your situation.
Q: Am I eligible for a STAR award if the program in which I worked closed?
A: Yes, if you are currently working at another licensed childcare program and you meet the 9-month employment eligibility requirements. You will need to have the director of the closed program sign your employment verification sheet.
Q: Am I eligible for a STAR award if I work in a school age program?
A: Yes, applicants who work in a state subsidized school age program are eligible to apply with the STAR project under the AB 212 funding.
Transcripts
Q: What if I have an out of country transcript?
A: Transcripts must be converted to US equivalency prior to submitting an application. The transcript evaluation must be performed by an agency that is accredited by the Commission for Foreign Transcript Evaluation.
Q: Do my transcripts have to be original, and or sealed when I submit them with my application?
A: You do not have to submit an original transcript. It may be a copy. However, we will not accept originals or copies of transcripts that are marked “unofficial”. All transcripts or copies must be official transcripts. Note: some exceptions may apply.
Return to top of page
College Coursework
Q: Do the classes I am currently enrolled in count towards this years stipend?
A: Classes completed in Fall 2005 will be counted towards the FY 05-06 stipend.
Q: Do continuing education units count toward units earned?
A: Continuing education hours such as from the UC Davis extension etc. count as professional growth hours, not as academic units.
Q: Does the completion of the course work offered through an alternative Child Development training program count towards a stipend?
A: Applicants who have had specialized child development training from an agency that is approved by the Department of Social Services or a Job training Network are eligible to apply as long as the applicants fulfill the minimum eligibility requirement and annual participation requirement.
Q: What ECE courses are accepted by the STAR project?
A: The STAR project accepts credit-bearing coursework designated as Early Childhood Education or Child Development from colleges and universities that are accredited.
Q: Does the STAR project accept both semester and quarter units?
A: The STAR project is based on semester units. Courses that are offered as quarter units should be converted to semester units. To convert quarter units to semester units, multiply the # of quarter units by .67 to get the semester unit equivalent. Example: 3-quarter units x .67 = 2.01 semester units.
Q: What grades are acceptable for a STAR award?
A: All grades must be a grade C or better. Courses marked as “D” or “F” will not be accepted. Courses marked “I” or “W” will not be accepted. A pass in a pass/fail system will be accepted.
Q: How do I know what courses qualify for the stipend?
A: All coursework must be 3 semester (4.5 quarter) units OR 6 semester (9 quarter) units.
If you are not proficient in English, you may enroll in ESL classes taught at a community college. Extension courses are not eligible in this category.
If you do not yet have a Bachelor’s Degree, and do not have English proficiency problems, you may take either (1) Math, English or general education classes that are prerequisites to classes that are transferable for degree credit; or (2) any classes that are transferable for degree credit to a four – year university; or (3) Any classes at a four – year college or university that count as degree credit. If you are not sure if a class is a prerequisite or is transferable, please ask an advisor at the college or university. Extension courses are not eligible.
If you already have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher, you are required to take classes that satisfy 24 units in ECE, including core courses, 6 units in administration and 2 units in adult supervision.
If you already have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher and 24 units is ECE, 6 administration and 2 adult supervision, you can complete 18 hours of professional development that is aligned with your professional development goals.
Q: I have worked for 20+ years as a Family Child Care Provider or Teacher Assistant. Will you count my work experience in place of units?
A: Although your experience is valuable, only college classes from an accredited
college or university county toward the STAR eligibility. There are two entry-level stipends for FCC providers who have hours in place of units and there is a new entry level for center-based teachers who have 0 –6 units.
Return to top of page
On-going Professional Development
Q: I am a DOD employee. Do the modules that I am required to complete as a part of my employment count towards my professional growth hours?
A: No, we are sorry but training that is required by the employer is not acceptable to satisfy annual participation requirements of the STAR project.
Q: Does the training that is being paid for by my employer or sponsored by my employer qualify as professional growth hours?
A: No, the Office of Early Care and Education will NOT accept training that is sponsored by your employer and is a requirement of your employment.
Q: What if I cannot show proof of attending a training? Can something else substitute?
A: We highly encourage you to take with you to trainings a copy of the verification of hours spent on a profession growth activity form that has been sent to STAR awardees. This form can be found in the tan book or can be downloaded from our web page. All training must have a proof of attendance that includes applicant’s name, title of trainings, hours of training and sponsoring agency.
Q: Will the project accept ESL classes to satisfy continuing eligibility requirements?
A: Yes, ESL classes will be accepted for the applicants in the Entry track and Permit Track – Assistant/ Associate. ESL classes must be for college credit units.
Q: If I’m working towards my degree in ECS/Child Development, do my general education units count towards professional growth hours?
A: Yes, as long as the units are being used toward earning a degree in ECS or Child Development.
Q: Do classes count that are not given for a letter grade?
A: If your transcript lists a class as a “pass”, the project will count it toward eligibility.
Q: Some of my training certificates do not show the hours. Are these acceptable?
A: AAll training certificates must show hours. If the certificate is accompanied by a letter from the instructor listing the hours and content the project will accept this.
Q: Can I count the environmental rating scale training towards my 3 units?
A: Yes, the .5 units assessing learning environments offered at AHC can be used towards the 3 unit educational annual participation requirement.
Q: Can I use units as professional growth hours?
A: Yes. For the STAR project we are counting 1 unit = 18hours.
Return to top of page
Rating Scale Training
Q: What if I am a returning applicant and missed the Rating Scale Trainings?
A: If you cannot submit proof of attending a 4 – hour environmental rating scale conducted after 1998, you are not eligible to apply in FY 05-06. The last training being offered before the application deadline will be in Santa Maria on Oct 8 & 22. Participants interested in attending must register at AHC for ECSA 359: Assessing Learning Environments. Students must attend both class sessions to get credit and the certificate that is required by the project. The last Rating Scale Training in Santa Barbara is scheduled for November 5, 2005.
Q: Do I have to attend an Environmental Rating Scale training if I am a first- time applicant?
A: Yes, you will need to attend an Environmental Rating scale as part of your annual participation requirements. Stipends will not be awarded until all annual participation requirements have been completed.
Q: Where can I get the Environmental Rating Scale Training?
A: The Office of Early Care and Education periodically throughout the year conducts 4-hour rating scale trainings. See FY 05-06 Training and Activity Calendar for more information. Beginning with Summer 2003, participants who take the following college courses will have the 4-hour rating scale training included in their class.
- AHC ECS 110 Field Experience
- SBCC ECE 141 Development & Caregiving of Infants and Toddlers
- SBCC ECE 100 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
Allan Hancock also offers ECS 379: Assessing Learning Environments as a way to fulfill this eligibility requirement.
Q: Do I need to submit a copy of the Rating Scale Score Sheet?
A: Yes, you need to submit a copy of the environmental rating scale score sheet.
Q: Will you accept any other proof of the rating Scale Score Sheet?
A: Yes, applicants who use the Desired Results in their program may submit a copy of
the Environmental Rating Scale Summary of Findings.
Q: Do I need to do all the sections of the rating scale score sheet?
A; No, You only need to complete the first two subscales.
On-going Professional Development
Child Development Permit
Q: Do I have to have a permit to apply for the stipend?
A: Yes. First Time and Returning applicants who entered the project with 6 + ECE units will be required to submit a copy of a current and valid permit. Temporary County certificates will be accepted. The project will continue to accept consortium letters, or letters from the SBCEO credential analyst. Applicants that did not have 6 units when they originally applied are not required at this time to have a permit.
Q: Do I have to submit my Child Development Permit or proof of my college degree again, even if I already submitted it in a previous cycle, and it is still valid?
A: Yes. Each cycle is unique and documentation is not shared between cycles. You must submit the documentation requested for this cycle; otherwise, you will be disqualified.
Q: What if I have the units to put me at a higher permit level, but have not applied for this level permit?
A: The project will award all stipends based on the track selection. Applicants in the Permit track will be awarded the stipend based on permit proof – permit copy or CDTC letter.
Q: Do Family child Care providers need to have a permit to apply for a stipend?
A: Yes and No. Family childcare providers that have 6 or more ECE units are required to have a permit. Entry track applicants do not need a permit until they have reached 6 ECE units.
Q: What are the requirements for a CA child development permit?
A: A matrix showing the California Child Development Permit requirements may be obtained by contacting the CDTC by phone at 209-572-6080 or by visiting their website: www.childdevelopment.org
Q: How do I obtain a child development Permit?
A: The Office of Early Care and Education has permit packets available and provides workshops on how to obtain a permit. There are three ways to submit an application:
1. Submit applications directly to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) 916-445-7254 or 888-921-2682, www.ctc.ca.gov
- This option does not provide any reimbursement for fee
2. Submit application to Santa Barbara County Education credential analyst – Tom Heiduck
- This option does not provide any reimbursement of fees
- An advantage to this option is that the credential analyst may review the application for accuracy.
3. Submit application to the Child Development Training Consortium
- The CDTC will submit the application to the CTC and permit will be mailed directly to the applicant
- The CDTC will reimburse the applicant $56 for the livescan (fingerprinting processing). This check will be mailed directly to the applicant from the CDTC office.
- CDTC will also pay the $55 application fee – this is not reimbursed since the applicant does not have to pay for this fee up front.
- The CTC will issue the permit directly to the applicant.
Q: How long does it take to receive my child development permit?
A: The entire process to receive a permit will take about 6 months or longer.
Q: What will the project accept as proof of a child development permit?
A: Copy of the child development permit, temporary county certificate, CDTC letter or internet printout titles “Details of selected credential from the CCTC website that verifies the permit has been issues. The printout must include your name, title of the permit issued, and permit issuance and expiration date.
Q: Am I eligible if I hold an old Children’s Center Permit or Lifetime permit?
A: No, the project will no longer accept Children Center Permits and Lifetime permits.
Q: What if I applied for my permit and do not receive the permit in time to submit with my stipend application?
A: We will accept the CDTC letter in substitution.
Q: I’ve applied for my permit, but haven’t received anything from the CCTC yet. How can I check my status?
A: You can check the status of your permit on the internet. The website address is https://teqachercred.ctc.gov/teacher/PersonalSearchProxy.
You will need to enter your social security number and your date of birth. If your application has been received but not yet issued, it will show you the date received and the status. If you permit has been issued it will list the permit under “Credentials Held”
Q; The website shows my permit has been issued. How do I print the verification from the website?
A: Click on the permit listed. This will bring you to the details of the selected credential. Print this page and submit it as your verification with your application.
Bachelor’s Degree Supplemental Stipend
Q: Does my Bachelor’s degree need to be in Child Development in order to receive a Bachelor’s degree supplement?
A; No, your bachelors degree can be in any field. However, you must meet all the other minimum eligibility requirements to receive a stipend.
Q: Am I eligible for a Bachelors degree supplemental stipend if I received that stipend in the past?
A; No, due to limited funding we are awarding the bachelor supplement only one time. However, if since your last stipend you obtained a masters degree you will be eligible for an advance degree supplement.
Family Child Care
Q: Do Family child Care providers need to have a permit to apply for a stipend?
A: Yes and No, family child care providers that have 6 or more ECE units must show proof of a permit if they are a returning applicant.
Q: My spouse is a co-owner of the family childcare business. Can both of us get a stipend?
A: Both of you must show proof of working a minimum of 15 hours per week with children and have minimally completed CCIP I level training.
Q: If I received a stipend as a Family Child Care provider in the past and now work at a center, am I still eligible for a stipend? If so, what application do I use?
A: Yes, you are still eligible to apply as long as you can show proof of working for 9 months in one location between the employment dates listed on the application. You will submit a center-based application.
Q: I have worked for 20+ years as a Family Child Care Provider or Teacher Assistant. Will you count my work experience in place of units?
A: Although your experience is valuable, only college classes from an accredited
college or university county toward the STAR eligibility. There are two entry-level stipends for FCC providers who have hours in place of units and there is a new entry level for center-based teachers who have 1 –6 units.
Miscellaneous
Q: What happens if I misplace my stipend check that was mailed to my house?
A: You will need to make your request in writing. After conducting an internal review to determine that the check was not cashed, the check will be re-issued.
Q: What if I lost or misplaced my copy of my training certificate, transcripts etc?
A: You can call the office to request a copy of a certificate that was issued by the Office of Early Care and Education. There will be a $10.00 charge for this service. We will not be responsible for making copies of documents that were submitted in the past and issued by other agencies such as colleges, resources and referral, AEYC etc. You will need to request these copies from the issuing agency.
Q: What if I had an address change since my last stipend?
A: Please call the Office of Early Care and Education in Santa Barbara and request the forms needed to change your address.
Q: What if I had a name change since my last stipend?
A: Please call the Office of Early Care and Education in Santa Barbara and request the forms needed to change your name.
Q: I have received a stipend in the past and have not been receiving any other correspondence or information since that time?
A: Please call the Office of Early Care and Education so that we may verify your address and re-send you back information.
Q: How often can I expect to receive information from the Office of Early Care and Education about the STAR project and its activities?
A: The Office sends out 4-5 mailing per year informing participants of the upcoming STAR awards, notifying participants of their awards and keeping them up to date on upcoming workshops and trainings. If you are not receiving these mailings please contact the office so we can check your address.
