Rhode Island’s Early Educator Pandemic Retention Bonuses were issued to eligible employees in 2022 using $18.7 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF). This program invested in early educators by offering bonuses to direct care staff employed at Rhode Island Department of Human Services – licensed child care programs.
In spring 2022, the state’s Pandemic Relief Office authorized additional funds from the ARPA SFRF to extend this grant program for FY23 and FY24. Eligible educators received up to $3,000 annually, issued as four quarterly bonuses.
Sources:
Rhode Island Department of Human Services. (2024, June 3). Early Educator Pandemic Retention Bonus Program Overview.
Rhode Island Department of Human Services. (2024, June 3). Frequently Asked Questions.
Rhode Island Children’s Cabinet. (n.d.). Funding Opportunities.
Connections to Key Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H) Findings:
The early education workforce is the foundation upon which all daily work and any expansion and quality improvement efforts rest. Research suggests that states and cities should invest in the workforce across all early education setting types, focusing on enhancing educators’ professional learning, compensation, and workplace conditions.
Findings from the Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H) show:
- Early educators play a critical role in supporting the well-being of young children and families across setting types.
- Yet their pay, benefits, and other professional supports are often inadequate in light of the job demands and their cost of living.