What is REWARD Oklahoma?

What is REWARD Oklahoma? REWARD Oklahoma provides education-based salary supplements to teachers, directors, and family child care providers working with young children in child care settings. The program is designed to provide children with more stable relationships and better-educated teachers by rewarding education and continuity of care. The REWARD Oklahoma program is offered statewide with funding provided by the OKDHS Oklahoma Child Care Services.

What is a salary supplement?
A salary supplement under the REWARD Oklahoma program is compensation above existing income. The salary supplement is paid directly to the early care and education professional and can be spent as he/she chooses.

How is a six-month commitment period established?
A six-month commitment period is established once the REWARD Oklahoma staff approves the application. Commitment periods run mid month to mid month (ex: January 15 to July 14).Applications cannot be approved until all required documentation has been provided.

What type of financial reward can early care and education professionals receive?
Child care providers may be eligible for up to $2,000 annually, depending on educational level achieved. Teachers and family child care home providers must be Level III or above on the Oklahoma Registry's Professional Development Ladder. Directors must have a Gold or Silver Oklahoma Director's Credential to be eligible. Using either scale, the amount of the supplement increases as the level of education increases. (Note: All degree(s) and credit hours must be earned at an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.)

How are supplements received?
All payments are contingent upon funding availability. Annual amounts are divided in two supplements. Directors, teachers, and family child care providers who meet the requirements for REWARD Oklahoma and remain eligible will receive a supplement check four to six weeks after the end of each six month commitment period. The REWARD Oklahoma staff will verify that participants were eligible in their facility during the entire commitment period. Once approved, participants who remain in the same early care and education facility and continue to meet requirements do not need to reapply in order to receive future supplements while they are on a specific level. To move up a level, participants must reapply to the Oklahoma Registry.

How can early care and education professionals increase the amount of the supplement they receive?
Participants in the REWARD Oklahoma program may increase their supplement amounts by gaining more education. The Scholars for Excellence in Child Care project offers scholarships to child care professionals who want to earn credentials or degrees in early childhood education or child development. Information may be obtained by contacting the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education at 405-225-9395 or toll free at 1-866-343-3881.

Are early care and education professionals required to pay taxes on his/her salary supplements?
Yes. The salary supplement is income; therefore, if participants received $600 or more from REWARD Oklahoma during the calendar year, they will receive an IRS-1099 form at the end of the year. For this reason, a current W-9 must be on file before a check can be issued.

Will early care and education professionals receive supplements if they move to another facility?
If a participant leaves their facility prior to the end of the commitment period, no supplement will be awarded. They may reapply from their new facility.

What is the facility's responsibility?
The facility must agree to provide verification of a participant's employment status and wages. The facility cannot use participation in REWARD Oklahoma to offset normal wage increases. The facility is not responsible for providing the salary supplement should funding no longer be available.
Facility Agreement Form