Quality Rated Workforce Bonus – DECAL QR Payments

Quality Rated Workforce Bonus

FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

Recognizing your hard work!

Funded by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), the annual Quality Rated Workforce Bonus (QRWB) recognizes and acknowledges the hard work that program staff do every day to enhance the quality of care and education that children receive. Eligible employees of programs that are Quality Rated at the 1-, 2-, or 3- star level can apply to receive a $500 annual bonus.

When can I apply?

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can submit your application based on your program’s assigned month.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY.

Find Your Program's Application Window

Search for your program's assigned month.

Enter ONE of the following

Am I eligible?

To apply for the annual Quality Rated Workforce Bonus (QRWB), ensure you meet all of the following criteria.

1. Program: Your program is one of the following and is Quality Rated at the 1-, 2-, or 3-star level:

Family Child Care Learning Home
Child Care Center
Stand-Alone School Age Program

2. Position: Your position meets the following requirements:

You are a full-time teacher or support staff working on-site 30+ hours per week OR School Age Only program staff working on-site 15+ hours per week
You have worked at your program for at least 90 days

3. Requirements

Have an updated GaPDS account
Meet lawful US presence requirements and have a satisfactory background check on file at DECAL

4. Application Window: You must submit your application during your program’s assigned month. Click here to search for your application month.

Applied?

You may also use this button set up your account in advance, but ***you must return to this website during your program’s* designated application month *in order to submit your application.***

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to apply for the bonus?

First, search for your application month using the Application Window search tool. When it is your program's assigned month, you will see an Apply Now button. Click on the button and follow the instructions on each page to complete and submit your application. Download a step-by-step guide to submitting your application.

What information do I need to provide with my application?

You will need to upload an updated and accurate copy of your GaPDS profile, copies of your last 2 pay stubs, and a signed and notarized 2025 Affidavit for Lawful Presence and pictures of the front/back of your secure and verifiable document with your application.

When will I receive the bonus?

Once your application is received during your program's assigned payment month, it will take 6-8 weeks for the processing of your application. Once the funds have been released, you will receive your payment depending on the timing of the payment type you selected, ACH (direct deposit) or check.

How do you determine if I’ve met the required working hours (30 hrs for full-time staff, 15 hrs for school-age staff)?

We ask for your 2 most recent paystubs to verify that you are a current employee, and use the year-to-date gross wages and hourly rate, to calculate the hours worked per week over the entire year. If there is a reason for lower hours that will need to be noted, please upload a signed and dated Director's letter stating the exception.

I don't receive paystubs from my employer. What can I submit instead?

If you do not have paystubs, then please upload a dated and signed Director's letter (on letterhead) stating your year-to-date gross wages and hourly rate, so that we can confirm your income. Include any supporting documentation, such as timesheets, if you have it. Please note, we cannot accept screenshots of bank statements.

What can I use the bonus for and is it taxable?

The payment you receive can be used for personal use, at your discretion. The payment is to reward your efforts for helping your program obtain and maintain a quality star rating. Yes, the payment can be taxable. Expect to receive a 1099 form during tax season if you were awarded over $600 from Care Solutions during the tax year.

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