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City of Atlanta 2023-2025
Early Childhood Champions Teacher Bonus Program
In partnership with the City of Atlanta and the Promise All Atlanta Children Thrive (PAACT) alliance, the Rotary
Club of Atlanta – made up of nearly 500 of Atlanta's business and civic leaders – is honoring early educators
across the City of Atlanta for the vital work they do.
Are you an Early Childhood Champion?
If you teach in a licensed early learning program in the City of Atlanta,
you can become an Early Childhood Champion and earn two different $500 bonuses. See details and restrictions below.
One-Time Training Bonus
Get $500 and a “Mayor's Award for Early Literacy” for completing state-approved literacy professional
development courses that count towards Bright from the Start training hours.
Early childhood teachers play a critical role in literacy development, and we want to support your efforts to
provide this important foundation for learning in your classroom. Complete a
series of free, online training courses this year and get a Mayor's Award certifying your accomplishment and a
$500 bonus.
Eligibility Requirements:
Work at least 30 hours/week in an eligible center within the city limits of Atlanta
Work in classroom(s) with children ages 0-5 (not yet in kindergarten)
Work as a classroom lead teacher, assistant teacher, or paraprofessional
Complete the required, free online training curriculum (8-11 hours) provided by Cox Campus Rollins Center for Language and Literacy
Retention Bonus
Get an extra $500 just for staying in the classroom
Your kids need you, and so do we. If you're still teaching in the same childcare program a year from now, you'll
get a $500 bonus. It's that simple.
Eligibility Requirements:
Work at least 30 hours/week in an eligible center within the city limits of Atlanta
Work in classroom(s) with children ages 0-3
Work as a classroom lead teacher, assistant teacher, or paraprofessional
12 months of continuous employment
How It Works
Step 1:
Enroll as an Early Childhood Champion
Enrollment open August 1 - September 30, 2024.
Step 2:
We confirm your eligibility for one or both rewards
Step 3:
Complete a series of online training courses in the science of reading, keep teaching for 12
months after you enroll, or both!
Step 4:
Receive a $500 check for staying in the classroom and/or completing the online training (teachers in birth-3 classrooms eligible for both bonuses)
Step 5:
Know how much we appreciate you and the important work you do!
You will need to provide your contact information, at least two pay stubs, and your social
security number for tax purposes. We will obtain employment verification from your employer.
No, this program is limited to teachers in licensed child care learning centers in the City of Atlanta.
Yes, these bonus payments are considered taxable income. You will receive an IRS Form 1099 as required
and must report the payment(s) as income on your tax return. Please contact a tax professional if you
have any questions about how to report this on your taxes.
You will still be eligible for either bonus if you are still working with the specified age group for that bonus.
If you change centers or sites after you enroll, you will need to update your employment information by calling customer support.
You may still be eligible for the retention bonus if you then complete 12 months of continuous employment in your new center before December 1, 2025. Please re-enroll under your new center during the enrollment period.
You may still be eligible for the training bonus if you are still working in any licensed child care learning center within the City of Atlanta.
Complete a free online early literacy training curriculum (8-11 hours) provided by Cox Campus (Rollins Center for Language and Literacy).
This training is Bright from the State state-approved and counts toward annual training requirements for child care licensing and Quality Rated. Once you have
enrolled and we have verified your eligibility, we will send your name and email address to Cox Campus. They
will then email you about how to access the training.
Care Solutions will be happy to assist you. Call them at 800-227-3410 (8:30am to 5:30pm Eastern) or
email support@rotaryearlychildhoodchampions.org.
No. While we recognize the important role and value of child care center directors, the purpose of this program
is to encourage teacher training and teacher retention. Teacher training helps centers improve the quality of care in the classroom,
promoting positive child outcomes and parent satisfaction/retention, thereby reducing center marketing costs. Teacher retention also
helps centers reduce the frequency with which centers incur the costs of recruiting, onboarding, and training new teachers.
No. This program is only for teachers in DECAL-licensed centers. While we value all teachers, teachers in
public school settings typically receive more training and earn higher wages than teachers in child care centers.
No. While we value all teachers, teachers of 4-5-year-olds typically receive more training and earn
higher wages than teachers in 0-3 classrooms.
