The Child Care WAGE$® Program was created in North Carolina in 1994 in response to research evidence that shows that the quality of care children receive is lowered by high turnover rates and inadequate teacher education.
1989 – Recommendation for salary supplement program from first child care
workforce study completed in NC
1994 – Pilot for 99 participants awarded salary supplements in Orange County, NC
1994 – 1999 – WAGE$ experiences gradual growth across North Carolina
1999 – WAGE$ becomes a statewide initiative in North Carolina
2001 – Initial state awarded WAGE$ License
2019 – WAGE$ operating in six states