REWARD Oklahoma is NEW in 2008!
Changes include:
- Increased annual payment amounts, and
- Higher payments for directors of accredited centers
Check out the following links:
- Goals and General Requirements (pdf)
- REWARD Oklahoma 2008 Brochure/Booklet (pdf)
- REWARD Oklahoma 2008 Program Overview (pdf)
- NEW Director/Assistant Director Scale (pdf)
- NEW Teacher/Family Child Care Home Scale (pdf)
After a year-long review of the program, REWARD Oklahoma is announcing updated program goals and new supplement scales. The new scales became effective January 1, 2008. A highlight of the 2008 program is increased supplement amounts:
- Most participants on the Teacher/Family Child Care Home Scale will see an increase of at least $200 per year. If you have completed more education since your last check, you may see an even greater increase.
- On the new Director Scale, if you work in a Three-Star, accredited facility, your supplement is double the amount of participants from non-accredited centers. On the Silver level the difference is $500 per year. On the Gold level, $1000. You will also have an additional year of payment eligibility.
What if I am already a REWARD Oklahoma participant?
- If you are an active REWARD participant as of January 1, 2008, you will not need to re-apply under the new program.
- Your REWARD Counselor will review your file and place you on the new scale when it is time for your next check.
- Time limits for the new scales will begin for you at that time.
What are some of the other major changes?
- Salary Cap Increase. The salary cap for both scales has been raised to $15.50 per hour.
- New Scales. The scales are now based on a participants level on the Oklahoma Registry's Professional Development Ladder (teachers, family child care home providers) or Oklahoma Director's Credential (directors). (See scales above.)
- Time Limits. In order to encourage participants to seek more education, there are now time limits at each level on the scales. This will also allow us to pay more people over time.
- Initial Commitment Period. NEW participants must complete 6 months with their center or home BEFORE applying to REWARD —AND— complete a 6-month commitment period, once approved, in order to receive their first check. After the first check, commitment periods are 6 months.
- Transfers. If a participant transfers to another center, she or he will have to re-qualify and re-apply to the program.
- Temporary Leave. The temporary leave policy has been changed to line up with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The maximum amount of time a participant can be on leave from their facility and remain active on REWARD is 12 weeks. The time missed has to be made up, as with the current policy.
