|
| Q1 |
What is Santa Clara CARES? |
| |
Santa Clara CARES is an acronym for Comprehensive Approaches to Raising Educational Standards. CARES is a financial stipend program designed to encourage and reward higher educational attainment for early childhood educators. Since its inception in 2002, CARES has awarded stipends to more than 4,900 early educators in Santa Clara County. This represents more than 79% of the estimated licensed early care professionals in this county. Santa Clara CARES helps to build a skilled, stable, early education workforce by linking monetary rewards with educational attainment, professional development, and longevity in the field. Stipends range from $200 to $4,000 each year.
|
| Q2 |
How does CARES benefit early educators? |
| |
Santa Clara CARES awards stipends ranging from $200 to $4,000 per participant per year for educational attainment to participants who qualify. Early educators can be compensated financially for their educational attainment by applying for CARES and providing qualifying documents. This educational attainment benefits both the early childhood educators and the children in their care.
|
| Q3 |
Is CARES offered in other counties or just Santa Clara? |
| |
CARES is offered in 56 other counties throughout California.
|
| Q4 |
Is information available about CARES programs in other counties? |
| |
A list of contact information for CARES programs in 56 other counties throughout California can be found at the CARES Training & Technical Assistance Project website at www.cares.edgateway.net/cs/cares/query/q/2595 or by calling 415-808-7327.
|
| Q5 |
What is a CARES round? |
| |
A round is one Santa Clara CARES year. The current Santa Clara CARES year is Round 7-2008.
|
|
| Q1 |
Which ECE courses does the Santa Clara CARES program accept? |
| |
The Santa Clara County CARES program accepts credit-bearing coursework designated as Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) from colleges and universities that have achieved accreditation through one of six regional associations in the United States. For more information on college and university accreditation, visit www.eduselect.com/accreditation.htm
|
| Q2 |
What is WASC? |
| |
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges is one of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools, colleges, and universities. The western region covers institutions in California and Hawaii, the several western U.S. territories. For further information on WASC, visit www.wascweb.org
|
| Q3 |
What grades are acceptable toward a CARES stipend? |
| |
All coursework must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. Neither courses marked "D" or "F" nor courses marked "I" for Incomplete or "W" for Withdrawn will be accepted. A "Pass" in a Pass/Fail and a “C” in a Credit/No Credit will be accepted.
|
| Q4 |
Is a Bachelor's degree in Child Development sufficient to qualify for Step 8? |
| |
No. A Bachelor's degree in Child Development must include the following:
- 24 units in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, including all CORE classes and 16 General Education units plus
- 6 Administration units
PLUS
- 2 Adult Supervision units
OR
- Meet all qualifications on the California Child Development Matrix under Option 2: Alternative Qualifications on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Permit leaflet. Download a PDF version of permit application leaflet by clicking on the link or copying and pasting the following into an internet browser: www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl797.pdf
|
| Q5 |
Is there an alternative qualification that can be used by applicants with a Bachelor's degree who think they should be at Step 8, but do not have the ECE units? |
| |
To qualify for Step 8, applicants must do one of the following:
- Meet all the requirements for Step 8 on the CARES Stipend Eligibility Requirements
OR
- Hold a current Program Director permit
OR
- Meet all qualifications under Option 2: Alternative Qualifications on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Permit Application. To download this leaflet, copy and paste the following into an internet browser: www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl797.pdf
|
| Q6 |
What step would an applicant with a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education qualify for? |
| |
A Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development is equivalent to a Step 8 on the CARES Stipend Eligibility Requirements. See www.e3institute.org/pub/htdocs/cares_forms.html#elig for a copy of the eligibility requirements.
|
| Q7 |
Will psychology courses count towards CARES ECE unit requirements? |
| |
Child Psychology and Developmental Psychology courses do count towards ECE unit requirements, including the CORE requirements. Human Development courses will count towards ECE units, but not CORE requirements. General Psychology will count towards GE unit requirements only.
|
| Q8 |
Can a class be counted more than once if it is taken again many years later? |
| |
No. A class may be counted only once.
|
| Q9 |
Will children's literature courses count towards CARES ECE unit requirements? |
| |
Yes. Children's literature courses count towards the ECE unit requirements including the Programs and Curriculum CORE Course requirement.
|
| Q10 |
Will courses taken at extension schools count towards the CARES unit requirements? |
| |
Extension school units are not accepted for CARES because the units need to be degree-applicable. In most circumstances extension units are not accepted as transfer units by the extension school’s home institution. Extension units will be accepted for CARES if they appear on an official transcript of a college or university that has accepted them as transferable units toward a degree.
|
|
| Q1 |
What are CORE courses? |
| |
A CORE course is defined as one of the following:
Child, Growth, and Development
Child, Family, and Community
Programs and Curriculum
Each CORE course must be 3 semester units or 4 quarter units.
|
|
| Q1 |
What are GE courses? |
| |
To qualify for a CARES Stipend at Steps 5, 6, 7, or 8, an applicant must complete a total of 16 GE units with at least one course in each of the four GE categories. All coursework must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. GE requirements include one degree-applicable course in each of the following areas:
English
Math or Science
Social Science
Humanities and/or Fine Arts
|
|
| Q1 |
Does the Santa Clara County CARES Stipend program use a semester or a quarter unit system? |
| |
The program is based on a semester unit system. Courses that are offered for quarter units would be converted to semester units when an applicant is determining which step she may qualify for. To convert quarter units to semester units, use this formula:
Multiply the number of quarter units by 0.67 to get the semester unit equivalent.
Example: 3 quarter units X 0.67 = 2.01 semester units
|
|
| Q1 |
How does the CARES program define "professional development?" |
| |
It is defined as participation in activities that contribute to an individual's competence, performance, or effectiveness in the early childhood profession. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, conferences, institutes/academies, non-required staff development activities, professional early education meetings, time spent as a professional growth advisor/mentor, workshops, or courses in ECE, General Education, or Basic Skills.
|
| Q2 |
Can first aid/CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training count toward professional development hours? |
| |
Yes. As long as the training includes CPR for infants and children and is not mandated by your employer.
|
| Q3 |
If first aid/CPR training is repeated, can it be counted more than once toward professional development hours? |
| |
No. The initial 15 hours of first aid/CPR training may be counted once. Renewals may not be counted.
|
| Q4 |
Are professional development certificates without signatures acceptable for documentation of professional development hours when applying for a CARES stipend? |
| |
If the official certificate is not available or if it does not contain a signature from the sponsoring agency, the CARES Professional Development Verification Form may be used instead. The CARES Professional Development Verification Form must indicate the number of hours for each activity and must be signed by someone who can verify that the CARES applicant participated in the activity. Copies are available on the CARES website in both English and Spanish at www.e3institute.org/pub/htdocs/cares_forms.html#PD
|
| Q5 |
Will the hours spent in CARES workshops count towards CARES professional development hours? |
| |
Yes. CARES workshops and other activities may be counted towards professional development hours.
|
| Q6 |
Would staff development activities count towards CARES professional development hours? |
| |
Staff development activities may be used towards CARES professional development requirements only if the activity was not mandated by the participant’s employer. Ideally professional development activities that count for CARES reflect the applicant’s choice of topics based on her own professional development goals.
|
| Q7 |
Do the CARES professional development hours have to be completed outside of work hours? |
| |
No. The applicant may be paid during the time spent accruing professional development hours. However, the activity may not be required by the employer.
|
| Q8 |
Are there differences between the professional development requirements for CARES and the professional growth requirements for the California Child Development Permit? |
| |
Yes. There are differences in the two separate systems. For information on the Professional Growth Hours requirement for the California Child Development Permit, refer to the Child Development Training Consortium (CDTC) website www.childdevelopment.org or call 209-572-6080. For the publication, Professional Growth Manual for Child Development Permits, published by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, copy and paste the following url into a web browser www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/manuals-handbooks/PG_manual_ChildDev.pdf
|
| Q9 |
Can a CARES applicant use professional growth advising activities for the California Child Development Permit to count for the CARES professional development requirements? |
| |
Yes. Professional growth advising may be counted towards CARES professional development hours. An applicant would submit a log of dates and times spent in this capacity, and the names of those who were advised, along with the CARES application.
|
| Q10 |
What is the difference between Professional Development Hours and Leadership Hours? |
| |
16 Professional Development hours may be used by returning applicants at Steps 7 or 8 instead of the one-unit requirement to remain at the same step as the previous year. In addition, all returning participants who received a stipend at Step 7 or 8 during a previous year must participate in 2 hours of a Leadership Activity. Be sure to check the CARES Round 7 Handbook to determine which activities will qualify for the Leadership Activity requirement. You may download a copy at www.e3institute.org/pub/htdocs/cares_forms.html
|
| Q11 |
If an applicant leads a workshop or presents at a conference, will these activities count toward the CARES Leadership requirement? |
| |
Yes. Leading a workshop or presenting at a conference would be counted towards CARES Leadership hours. However, simply attending a workshop or conference will not meet the Leadership requirement.
|
| Q12 |
Can an applicant fulfill the CARES professional development requirement with activities offered by her employer? |
| |
Yes. However, the activities must be voluntary, not part of the participant’s job.
|
|
| Q1 |
What is a PDEP? |
| |
It is an online comprehensive goal-setting tool that documents past, present, and future education and guides applicants through their college-course taking path, resulting in determining educational goals.
|
| Q2 |
Where does a CARES applicant go to have a PDEP completed? |
| |
CARES College Reps are available at the six community colleges and two universities in Santa Clara County. A PDF file showing college reps contact information is available at www.e3institute.org/pub/htdocs/cares_forms.html#collegecontacts
|
| Q3 |
What would CARES applicants bring to a PDEP meeting? |
| |
An applicant would bring:
Current transcripts from all colleges attended
Copy of California Child Development Permit or permit application
Education plan if one has been developed with a College’s Academic Counselor
College assessments results, if applicable
International education equivalency report, if applicable
|
|
| Q1 |
How do CARES applicants find out if they meet employment and education requirements for CARES? |
| |
All of the CARES requirements are listed in a two-sided document titled, “Stipend Eligibility Requirements—CARES Round 7 2008.” A PDF version can be found on the web at www.e3institute.org/pub/htdocs/cares_forms.html#elig
|
| Q2 |
What is the definition of a "returning" applicant? |
| |
A returning applicant has received a stipend from Santa Clara CARES in any previous round (year). An applicant who applied for CARES but did not receive a CARES stipend is considered a “new” applicant.
|
| Q3 |
Is there a minimum age required for participation in the CARES stipend program? |
| |
Yes. An applicant must be 18 years or older to participate in the CARES stipend program.
|
| Q4 |
Would applicants still be eligible for CARES if the program they worked in closed? |
| |
Applications received by applicants who were employed by a program that has been closed will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The applicant must be employed at the time the application is submitted.
|
| Q5 |
Is an applicant eligible for CARES if she works as a substitute in a licensed child care program? |
| |
Yes, as long as she encloses letter with the application, which has been signed by her program director stating that she meets all other eligibility requirements, including working in the same program 15 hours per week for a minimum of nine months.
|
| Q6 |
Are applicants who work in a school age program eligible for CARES? |
| |
CARES funds are limited to staff working directly with children age 0 - 5 unless they are employed by a state-subsidized center-based program that holds a current contract with the State Department of Education and meets the eligibility requirements of A.B. 212 legislation.
|
| Q7 |
Are applicants eligible for CARES if they teach at preschools with a kindergarten class in which the children are all ages 4-5 and do not meet the public school kindergarten cut-off date? |
| |
Yes. They are eligible as long they work directly with children in a licensed preschool.
|
| Q8 |
Can applicants request eligibility for a step that exceeds the level of the permits they hold? |
| |
Yes. Santa Clara CARES stipends are not based on the permit levels, but on the educational level of its participants. If the educational qualifications exceed a permit level, the higher step will be granted as long as transcripts are submitted that verify eligibility at a higher level.
|
| Q9 |
If early educators live or work in another county, can they still apply for Santa Clara CARES? |
| |
Applicants must work in Santa Clara County to be eligible for a Santa Clara CARES stipend, but they do not have to live in the county.
|
| Q10 |
Does volunteer work count as work experience? |
| |
Applicants must be paid employees. Volunteer work is not accepted in order to meet the work experience requirement for Santa Clara CARES.
|
| Q11 |
Are applicants required to work for a publicly funded program to be eligible for CARES? |
| |
No. Applicants meet the eligibility requirement if they work for a privately or publicly-funded licensed child care center or family child care home serving infants, toddlers and/or preschoolers. If they work with school age children, they must work in a publicly funded program to be eligible for CARES.
|
|
| Q1 |
Can CARES applicants use administration or adult supervision courses in the 24 ECE units? |
| |
Yes, CARES applicants at Steps 1-5 may use administration and/or adult supervision courses in the 24 ECE units.
|
| Q2 |
What should an applicant do for their transcripts from spring quater at De Anza and Foothill Colleges? |
| |
They must directly submit their transcripts to E3 Institute by August 1, 2008.
|
| Q3 |
How will international transcripts be handled for applicants who have coursework or a degree from another country? |
| |
Transcripts from outside the U.S. must be translated and evaluated for their U.S. equivalency before the CARES application is submitted. The transcript evaluation must be performed by an agency that is approved by the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CTC). All CARES applicants are eligible to receive this service at no cost, provided they go directly through the E3 Institute. Contact E3 at 408-299-1700 or santaclaracares@wested.org for an appointment.
|
| Q4 |
Do transcripts need to be official and/or sealed when submitting them along with a CARES application? |
| |
Official transcripts must be submitted. They do not need to be submitted in a sealed envelope but they must be issued by the college or university that provided the transcripts and have the embossed seal of the university, original signature, issued by the registrar’s office. Internet printouts, grade reports, and transcripts marked "unofficial" will not be accepted.
|
| Q5 |
Will practicum courses count toward the unit requirements? |
| |
Yes. Practicum coursework will count toward ECE unit requirements.
|
| Q6 |
Does an applicant need to submit transcripts with the CARES application if a valid California Child Development Permit is submitted? |
| |
No. If the application is for a CARES step that is equivalent to the applicant’s permit level assigned by CTC, she does not have to submit transcripts for CARES. However, if she plans to apply for a CARES step that exceeds the permit level she holds, she must submit transcripts with the CARES application.
|
|
| Q1 |
What is the process to apply for a California Child Development Permit (permit)? |
| |
New applicants, returning CARES participants, and those interested in applying to CARES may apply for a permit through the E3 Institute. Follow these steps to apply for a first-time, upgrade, or renewal permit: (Please note that the application process for a Child Development Permit is separate from the CARES application process.) It is strongly encouraged that applicants meet with a CARES College Representative to prepare a Professional Development and Education Plan (PDEP) before applying for the permit.
- Contact or visit your CARES Partner Agency to pick up a permit application.
- Schedule a ½ hour appointment at the E3 Institute by contacting Esperanza Cadena or Sandy Laguna at 408-299-1700 or email at ecadena@wested.org or slaguna@wested.org
- Bring the fully completed application to the appointment at E3. A permit reviewer will check it to see that it is complete. Incomplete permit applications will not be accepted.
- If applying for a permit for the first time or if an applicant has an expired permit, she will be required to go to the Live Scan Office at the Santa Clara County Office of Education for fingerprinting after the appointment with E3.
|
| Q2 |
What are the fees associated with fingerprinting? |
| |
If the applicant is a first time applicant s/he pays the fee of $78 and is reimbursed $56 by the CDTC. If the applicant has an expired permit (expired for three months or more) then the applicant pays $7 and will not be reimbursed. E3 subsidizes permit costs for CARES participants who pay $78 instead of the full cost of $120.
|
| Q3 |
What is the CDTC? |
| |
The Child Development Training Consortium (CDTC) is a statewide program funded by the California Department of Education, Child Development Division (CDE/CDD) with federal Child Care and Development Quality Improvement funds. CDTC’s goal is to promote high-quality early education to California’s children and families by providing financial and technical assistance to child development students and professionals. Visit the website at www.childdevelopment.org
|
| Q4 |
How does an applicant receive the CDTC reimbursement? |
| |
To receive a CDTC reimbursement, E3 sends the entire application to the SCCOE and the SCCOE mails the application to the CDTC.
|
| Q5 |
When should fingerprinting be done? |
| |
Fingerprinting is done at the Santa Clara County Office of Education after coming to E3.
|
| Q6 |
If an applicant comes to E3 for advising and needs fingerprints, will the SCCOE accept them that day? |
| |
SCCOE requires appointments but will often accept walk-ins.
- E3 has an agreement with SCCOE to give priority to CARES participants.
- E3 provides an updated list to the SCCOE of applicants who have had their applications processed and sent to the SCCOE. This list is sent every time a batch of new applications is sent to them.
|
| Q7 |
Does E3 provide permit advising in the evenings? |
| |
Yes, E3 staff will provide evening or early morning hours, by appointment, to meet with CARES participants.
|
| Q8 |
Who is eligible to come to E3 for permit application services? |
| |
If someone has not participated in CARES, it is recommended that s/he sees a college representative to get a PDEP first, then come to E3 to apply for the permit; however, at this time, it is not a requirement that participants receive a PDEP before receiving permit services from E3.
|
| Q9 |
What is the process for a “non-CARES” applicant? |
| |
If someone has not participated in CARES, it is recommended that s/he sees a college representative to get a PDEP first, then come to E3 to apply for the permit; however, at this time, it is not a requirement that participants receive a PDEP before receiving permit services from E3.
|
| Q10 |
Does E3 evaluate transcripts to determine which classes are valid for the permit? |
| |
Trained E3 staff members review the applicant’s transcripts, but the final determination rests with the SCCOE and the CTC. E3 staff sends the completed application to SCCOE, and upon approval, SCCOE sends out a temporary permit to the participant and a copy to E3. E3 advises participants to meet with their college representative before coming to E3, clarifying that it is best to have their transcripts evaluated by college representatives before starting the permit application process.
|
| Q11 |
If an applicant holds a current Children's Center Permit that was issued a long time ago, what CARES step would she qualify for? |
| |
A Children's Center Permit is equivalent to a CARES Step 5, which is consistent with the Teacher Level on the California Child Development Permit leaflet. For a copy of the leaflet, paste the following into an internet browser: Download a PDF version of a permit application leaflet by clicking on the link or copying and pasting the following into an internet browser: www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl797.pdf
|
| Q12 |
What is the CTC? |
| |
It is the California State Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which issues and regulates documents such as teacher credentials and child development permits. Its stated purpose is to ensure integrity and high quality in the preparation, conduct, and professional growth of the educators who serve California’s schools. Visit the CTC website for further information: www.ctc.ca.gov/
|
| Q13 |
How would an applicant obtain a permit if employed by Head Start, Parkway, or a school district in Santa Clara County? |
| |
If an applicant works for Head Start, Parkway, or a school district in Santa Clara County, she may apply for a permit directly through the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE). Call the SCCOE at 408-453-6766 to make an appointment.
|
| Q14 |
What are the requirements for a California Child Development Permit? |
| |
The requirements may be obtained by visiting the Child development Training Consortium (CDTC) website at www.childdevelopment.org/cs/cdtc/print/htdocs/services_permit.htm or by phone at 209-572-6080. See the frequently asked questions document at the CDTC website at www.childdevelopment.org/cs/cdtc/print/htdocs/services_permit_faq.htm>
|
| Q15 |
How long will it take to receive a California Child Development Permit? |
| |
An applicant will receive an official Temporary County Certificate (TCC) within 4 weeks. The TCC authorizes the applicant to work in a publicly funded program and to apply for CARES, The process to receive an official permit from the CTC will take about 6 to 12 months. A renewal permit application submitted on-line takes approximately 2 weeks.
|
| Q16 |
Will a TCC be accepted for CARES eligibility in lieu of a permit? |
| |
Yes. A temporary county certificate (TCC) from the Santa Clara County Office of Education will be issued within 4 weeks of submission and will be accepted for CARES eligibility in lieu of a Child Development Permit, if the permit application was filed within one year of the CARES stipend application.
|
| Q17 |
Does a teacher who serves school-age children need a permit? |
| |
Yes. All CARES participants are required to have a permit issued by the CTC. CARES recognizes the child development permit with a school-age emphasis since it meets all requirements for infant and preschool plus school age.
|
| Q18 |
When upgrading a permit, must an applicant provide proof of earlier units or just those for the upgrade? |
| |
An applicant must provide evidence of both earlier units and the new units to qualify for the upgrade. For further information on upgrading a permit, visit the Child development Training Consortium (CDTC) website at www.childdevelopment.org/cs/cdtc/print/htdocs/services_permit.htm or by phone at 209-572-6080. See the frequently asked questions document at the CDTC website at www.childdevelopment.org/cs/cdtc/print/htdocs/services_permit_faq.htm>
|
| Q19 |
Why would early educators need a child development permit if her employer does not require it? |
| |
Santa Clara CARES requires all participants to obtain a child development permit so that there is uniformity across the early childhood profession. Since private programs only require 12 units to be a teacher, and public programs require 24 units plus 16 GE, the permit levels provide a uniformity that is not otherwise apparent.
|
| Q20 |
What are the requirements and limitations for renewing an Associate Teacher Permit? |
| |
For information about permit renewals, contact the E3 Institute at 408-299-1700 to make an appointment. For further information on upgrading a permit, visit the Child development Training Consortium (CDTC) website at www.childdevelopment.org/cs/cdtc/print/htdocs/services_permit.htm or by phone at 209-572-6080. See the frequently asked questions document at the CDTC website at www.childdevelopment.org/cs/cdtc/print/htdocs/services_permit_faq.htm>
|
|
| Q1 |
Is there an appeals process if an applicant disagrees with the final stipend determination? |
| |
Yes. An applicant may appeal the decision by submitting an appeal form. The Appeal Forms for CARES Round 7 will be posted on the CARES website at www.e3institute.org/pub/htdocs/cares_forms.html when the stipends are distributed in September 2008. Or an Appeal Form will be mailed to anyone who calls E3 Institute at 408-299-1700 and requests it.
|
|
| Q1 |
Why doesn’t E3 Institute deduct income tax from the CARES stipend checks? |
| |
The E3 Institute cannot withhold taxes for people who are not employed by E3 Institute.
|
| Q2 |
Is the CARES stipend check considered taxable income? |
| |
Yes. The stipend check is considered taxable income and should be reported to the Internal Revenue Service.
|
| Q3 |
How should CARES stipend recipients claim the stipends on their tax returns? |
| |
CARES recipients should claim the stipend as "other income." (Box #3 on the IRS form.) In January, a 1099 form will be sent to the home address of each CARES recipient who received a stipend of $600 or more. It is the responsibility of the CARES recipient to notify the partner agency of any change of address to ensure that all proper information reaches the CARES recipient.
|
| Q4 |
Why are CARES participants required to complete a W-9 form? |
| |
A W-9 form is required from all CARES participants for verification of their Social Security numbers. For a copy of this form, click on this link or copy and paste it into an internet browser: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
|
| Q5 |
Can a CARES applicant use a Federal I.D. number instead of a Social Security number? |
| |
No. A Federal I.D. number will not be accepted. An applicant must submit a Social Security number to receive a CARES stipend.
|
|
| Q1 |
Will a CARES application be accepted if it is submitted after the June 16, 2008 deadline? |
| |
No. Applications that are received or postmarked after the June 16, 2008 deadline will not be considered.
|
| Q2 |
When are stipend checks mailed to qualifying CARES participants? |
| |
Round 7 stipend checks will be mailed on September 19, 2008.
|
| Q3 |
When are the Round 7 applications available? |
| |
They will be mailed to previous CARES participants and all licensed programs in Santa Clara County on April 1, 2008. Previous CARES participants should ensure that E3 Institute has their current mailing addresses. The applications can also be downloaded from the E3 Institute-Santa Clara CARES website and will be available at the CARES Partner Agencies after April 1, 2008.
|
Back to Top |
