We're sending on behalf of the Department of Education.

Dear Early Childhood Professional,

Congratulations, you are invited to apply for the Delaware Child Care Bonus! This $1,000 bonus is available to early childhood care and education professionals who have been working with children in licensed Delaware child care facilities.

Delaware recognizes the hard work you do every day to support children and families. We are excited to make this bonus program available to you through funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Please note: This bonus is taxable income. Taxes will not be withheld from your $1,000, but you will receive Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income to complete with your 2022 taxes.

What happens next?
Step 1: Complete your My Early Childhood Career Journey profile. The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) will determine that you are eligible for this bonus based on the information you provided in your Professional Portal Profile. If you are eligible, you will receive your personalized link to the Delaware Child Care Bonus application.

Step 2: Complete the online Delaware Child Care Bonus application and provide the necessary documentation to show you meet the criteria. Once your information is verified and approved, you will receive $1,000 via direct deposit or mailed check (your choice).
More information can be found in the included Frequently Asked Questions 2-pager, Application Guide, and on de.gov/childcarebonus. The following documents are required to complete your application:
  • Last two (2) pay stubs or time cards for the past month to verify your employment status in a licensed child care program for at least 90 days within the last six (6) months
  • A valid state issued driver’s license or state issued photo ID card that shows the same address you entered in your Professional Portal Profile
  • A signed and completed W-9 form
  • W-9 forms can also be found on the IRS’s website at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-9
  • Your social security number (if you file taxes as an individual) or your Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you own your licensed child care center or family child care
  • If you select direct deposit as your preferred payment type, a voided check or Direct Deposit Authorization form

Go to DelawareECE.com to start your application - You will have 10 business days to complete and upload all required documentation. If your application is still incomplete after 10 business days, your application will close. To reapply, you will have to start the application process over and complete it within 10 business days.

Need help? Send us an email at [email protected] or call us at (302) 549-4212 Monday – Friday, 8am to 7pm and Saturday, 9am to 5pm.

We value and appreciate the work that you do with young children and their families.

Thank you,
The Department of Education, Early Childhood Support Team