Missouri Launches First-Ever Child Care WAGE$ Pilot

ST. LOUIS - March 3, 2026 - PRLog -- Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently announced the launch of the Child Care WAGE$ Missouri pilot project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to increase retention through compensation based on education for early childhood educators in St. Louis County. The program – funded by a $5.6 million award administered by the St. Louis County Children's Services Fund on behalf of the County – will begin offering services in May 2026.

Developed by the TEACH Early Childhood National Center in North Carolina, the Child Care WAGE$ program is a strategic salary supplement initiative investing in early childhood educators to elevate care quality and workforce stability. With more than 30 years of proven success in five other states, this marks the first-ever implementation in Missouri, made possible through CCAMO's long-standing affiliation with the national TEACH Early Childhood Scholarship program.

Through the WAGE$ Missouri pilot, eligible educators in licensed or license-exempt child care programs in St. Louis County will receive salary supplements based on their education level and retention at their St. Louis County-based child care program. These ongoing financial incentives reinforce that professional growth translates into tangible pay increases and long-term workforce stability. The organization's leadership envisions the St. Louis County pilot as a proof of concept, using data and measurable outcomes to advocate for expanding the WAGE$ model across additional Missouri counties in the coming years.

CCAMO's leadership in strengthening the early childhood profession spans more than two decades. In 2000, CCAMO secured the sole state license for the TEACH Early Childhood Missouri Scholarship program and awarded the first TEACH Missouri Scholarships, setting the foundation for educational advancement and career development across the state's early education workforce. To date TEACH Missouri has awarded more than 5,500 scholarships to early child professionals.

CCAMO will hire a Director to lead the new WAGE$ program and plans to bring on two counselors once fully staffed. A tax consultant position will be added in a contracted position beginning in April.

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization's services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.