WHAT IS C.A.R.E.S.?
The
C.A.R.E.S. Program in Monterey County is a professional incentive program
designed to encourage early care and education workers including child care
staff to remain in their current positions. The primary goals are to improve
recruitment and retention of highly qualified early childhood educators and
child care professionals. Another objective is to enhance the quality of
child care program environments through improving the skill level of
individuals that work directly with children.
C.A.R.E.S. started as a
statewide initiative in 1996 when a staffing crisis in child care was first
identified. Research shows that staff turnover is experienced by children as
loss, and can negatively affect children’s learning and emotional
well-being. Many counties have responded by designing programs to retain
qualified early care and education workers and improve the quality of child
care. Although different programs may share many similar features, each
county’s retention program is unique.
During 2002, more than
$459,374 in C.A.R.E.S. cash stipends were awarded to child care
professionals all over Monterey County. Once again in 2003, awards in
several categories will range up to $2,500. Level awards for each category
will recognize staff for their existing education, continuing education and
professional growth. Additional benefits to C.A.R.E.S. recipients will
include trainings, introduction to professional organizations, and resources
to improve the quality of early care and education environments.
