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Early educators in Rhode Island are essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and are being rewarded for their efforts. The Rhode Island Department of Human Services used funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to issue bonuses to these educators. The bonuses will be given out quarterly and will help support retention and recruitment in the early learning sector. Eligible educators can apply for the bonuses starting in October 2022. As essential workers, early educators continue to play a crucial role in keeping licensed child care programs open and serving Rhode Island families throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In spring and summer of 2022, the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, DHS, used funds designated through the American Rescue Plan Act, ARPA, State Fiscal Recovery Fund, SFRF, as appropriated by the Governor and the General Assembly, to issue Early Educator Pandemic Retention Bonuses. The program was intended to invest in early educators by offering semi-annual bonuses to direct care staff employed at DHS licensed child care providers. These DHS licensed child care programs include child care centers, family child care homes, and family child care group homes. In 2022, additional funding was appropriated to continue the Early Educator Pandemic Retention Bonuses program through summer of 2024. Beginning in October 2022, educators will be able to receive a quarterly bonus of $750 each, depending on eligibility in each application window. These retention bonuses will supplement educators' compensation to support retention and recruitment in the early learning sector, as well as recognize the vital work that early educators do in supporting the state's littlest learners. Now that you have a better understanding of this program, let's look at who is eligible to apply and the timeline to apply for this program.