Workforce Pathways LA (WPLA) Stipend Program

Get Financial Support for Your Professional Development Through the Workforce Pathways LA Stipend Program

Are you working with young children in Los Angeles County and ready to advance your skills, education, and career in early childhood education? The Workforce Pathways LA (WPLA) Stipend Program can help. This countywide support program provides financial stipends to eligible providers who complete approved professional development, college coursework, or credential pathways—making it easier to grow in the ECE field.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the Workforce Pathways LA stipend, you must:

✅ Work in a Los Angeles County early childhood program, including:

• Licensed Child Care Centers
• Licensed Family Child Care Homes
• License-Exempt Providers in qualified settings
• Programs serving children ages birth–5
• Programs where at least 51% of enrolled children receive subsidized care or are part of CDSS/CDE contracts

✅ Meet employment requirements, such as:

• Working directly with children at least 15 hours per week
• Being employed consistently during the WPLA program year
• Having valid employment verification in the CA ECE Workforce Registry

✅ Complete one eligible pathway, such as:

• 21 hours of approved professional development (PD) with ChildCareEd!
• College coursework (ECE/CD units)
• Initial Child Development Permit
• ECE Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree completion

🎓 Choosing the PD Pathway?
ChildCareEd offers the full 21 hours you need—and you can start immediately, learn online, and finish on your own schedule.

👉 Enroll in the 21-Hour Professional Development Bundle for Workforce Pathways LA

What Does the Stipend Program Cover?

Depending on the pathway you choose, WPLA may provide:

✅ Stipends for completing 21 hours of approved PD

✅ Stipends for completing 3+ or 6+ units of ECE/CD college coursework

✅ Stipends for earning your initial Child Development Permit

✅ Stipends for earning an ECE/CD Associate or Bachelor’s Degree

Amounts vary by fiscal year, but all stipends are paid directly to eligible participants once their documentation is verified.

How To Get Started

1️⃣ Apply during the open WPLA application window.

The application is submitted online through the LA County Office for the Advancement of Early Care & Education.

2️⃣ Select your pathway.

Most educators choose the 21-hour PD pathway—it’s the fastest and easiest to complete.

3️⃣ Complete your requirements within the program year.

Training hours or coursework must fall within the official WPLA timeline.

4️⃣ Upload your documents during Phase 2.

You will submit certificates, transcripts, or permit verification through your WPLA portal.

5️⃣ Wait for verification and stipend distribution.

Once approved, stipends are sent directly to you.

To apply, please visit www.caregistry.org.   Only online applications will be accepted.

For General Questions

• Claudia Valle
• clvalle@ph.lacounty.gov
• (213) 639-6495
• Elizabeth Casprowitz
• ecasprowitz@ph.lacounty.gov
• (213) 639-6452

🌟 Invest in Your Professional Growth and Build a Stronger Future

The Workforce Pathways LA Stipend Program is a powerful way to remove financial barriers and move forward in your early childhood career. Whether you're gaining new skills, completing required PD hours, or advancing toward a degree, WPLA helps you take meaningful steps—without the financial burden.

Start today and build a brighter future for yourself and the children you serve.