Santa Clara CARES 2.0 is a program designed to support early educators pursuing a college degree by providing individualized educational planning services. Stipends will be offered to participants who complete coursework identified in their Professional Development and Education Plan (PDEP), as long as funding is available. Currently, CARES 2.0 does not provide stipends to support training or other professional development activities that are not related to obtaining a college degree. CARES 2.0 has an ongoing enrollment system and there is no set application period. Participants may access the program at anytime during the year. Stipends will be issued throughout the year.

CARES 2.0 has been dramatically streamlined to make it easier to participate. These changes include:

• A one page Enrollment Form (replaces the 22 page application packet)
• Ongoing enrollment and stipend distribution throughout the year
• A personalized Participant Summary that details what you need to do to be eligible for a stipend (replaces the CARES Handbook)

For more information on the program, click the link below.

CARES 2.0 Program Summary (pdf)

Santa Clara CARES 2.0 is funded by FIRST 5 Santa Clara County and the California Department of Education: Child Development Division, and is operated by WestEd's E3 Institute Advancing Excellence in Early Education.