Welcome, State Preschool (CSPP) & Center-Based Childcare (CCTR) Early Educators and Administrators
The application period for the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) Quality Matters Stipend Program (QMSP) 2026–27 program year is now open through October 15, 2026.
Please read the eligibility requirements, stipend pathways, and program timeline to ensure timely submission of pathway requirements to receive a stipend.
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For a full list of approved training opportunities that count toward the 21 Professional Development (PD) hours, click here.
Program Timeline
To earn a stipend for either Coursework Pathway (Option 1), Training Pathway (Option 2), or QMSP Cohort-Based Training Pathway (Option 3), participants must successfully:
- Submit an online application at https://sccoe.to/applyQMSP between July 15 and October 15, 2026.
- A required W-9 form will be automatically generated from the information you enter in the application.
- Attend one Program Orientation Session (dates are available on QMSP Padlet – see link on page 1).
- Attend one Professional Growth Advising Session (dates are available on QMSP Padlet – see link on page 1).
- Be consistently employed by a CSPP/CCTR site through March 31, 2027.
- Complete the Pathway’s Professional Development activities by April 30, 2027.
The Quality Matters Stipend Program for State Preschool (CSPP) & Center-Based Childcare (CCTR) Early Educators and Administrators uses the QRIS Hubbe Data System as the application and tracking system.
For Quality Matters Stipend Program (QMSP) announcements, deadlines, office hours, and other resources, please visit our newly launched
Padlet.
Important Notes
- Stipends will be distributed by August 2027.
- Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) may raise or lower stipend amounts based on the availability of funds and the number of eligible applicants.
- Stipends are considered taxable income. Participants who receive a stipend of $600 or more will receive tax documentation (1099 form) in February 2028.
- All Quality Matters Stipends Program requirements are completed online. Access to a phone, computer, or tablet and internet access is REQUIRED. All applicants must check their email regularly for important program updates.
For more information: (669) 212-5400 | LPCInfo@sccoe.org
This program is funded by the Santa Clara County Office of Education with support from Quality Counts California and the California Department of Social Services.
Are you an Early Childhood Educator working at a Family Child Care Home (FCCH), Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN), or Family Resource Center (FRC)? You may be eligible for FIRST 5 Santa Clara County: QUALITY MATTERS Stipend Program for Family Child Care Homes, Family, Friend and Neighbor Providers, and Family Resource Center Staff. Learn more at https://www.qualitymattersscc.org/. 
