Welcome, State Preschool (CSPP) & Center-Based Childcare (CCTR) Early Educators and Administrators!
We are now accepting applications for the 2023-24 Quality Matters Stipend Program (QMSP). Please read the eligibility requirements, stipend pathways, and application timeline before submitting an application via the ECE Workforce Registry.


To earn a stipend, you must successfully:
- Complete either Coursework Pathway (Option 1) or Training Stipend Pathway (Option 2) by June 1st, 2024, and:
- Develop a Professional Development Plan.
- Complete 3 Professional Growth Advising sessions with Stipend program staff.
- Must be employed by a QRIS site through the employment verification deadline of June 30, 2024.
- Submit a current W-9 Form dated and signed no later than June 1st, 2023.
How to get started:
The Quality Matters Stipend Program for State Preschool (CSPP) & Center-Based Childcare (CCTR) Early Educators and Administrators uses the ECE Workforce Registry as the application and tracking system. To apply:
- Create an account in the ECE Workforce Registry. (Create a Profile video).
- Submit a Stipend Request through the Stipends & Pathways Portal between October 16 and December 15, 2023. Select Stipend Program: Santa Clara County: Quality Matters Stipend Program for CSPP & CCTR Providers.
- Upload required supplemental forms before the deadline (see QMSP - Forms and Checklist).

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Important Notes
- 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. Awardees will be notified via mail during the Stipend Distribution Period (July 1 – August 31, 2024).
- Applicants can only apply to one Option per fiscal year (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024) and may request to change their Option no later than March 29, 2024, by 5 p.m. Determination is based on the availability of funds. Contact us for more information.
- Stipends are considered taxable income. A 1099 form with the stipend amount will be mailed starting February 2025 to any participant who received a stipend of $600 or more. Most of the Stipend program requirements are completed online. Access to a computer or tablet and internet access is REQUIRED.
- Applicants may appeal SCCOE’s decision between September 1 and September 15, 2024.
For more information: 408-453-4331 | 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/qmsp.