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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What changes are there to the BA/MA Bonus this year (2008-09)
The program will largely function as it did in 2007-08, with two important changes:
- The program now requires that you work an average of 15 hours per week providing direct instruction to children, and that in order for those 15 hours to count toward your eligibility, your presence in the classroom during this period must count toward your program’s compliance with minimum adult-child ratios set by laws, regulations, or other requirements governing your program.
- Bonus checks will now be mailed within 4-6 weeks after each quarter’s deadline. If further documentation is needed to determine your eligibility, your bonus check may be delayed.
Q: I received the BA/MA Bonus last year (2007-08). Do I need to reapply for 2008-09?
No. You will automatically receive a continuing eligibility form, asking for your current contact information and changes to your child development permit or degree attainment. You will need to have your employer certify that you continue to meet employment requirements (i.e., working at least 15 hours a week at a Preschool for All (PFA) site), as well as the new requirements that during those 15 hours, you are providing direct instruction to children, and that your presence in the classroom during this period counts toward your program’s compliance with minimum adult-child ratios set by laws, regulations, or other requirements governing your program.
Q: I previously received the BA/MA Bonus, but I am teaching a different site than before. Am I still eligible to receive the bonus?
Maybe. If your new site is also a PFA site, and you continue to satisfy the program requirements, then you will simply need to complete the continuing eligibility form and have your new employer certify your employment to receive your bonus check. If your new site is not a PFA site, then you will no longer be eligible for the program.
Q: Can I qualify for the BA/MA Bonus if I am a program director?
Possibly. In order to qualify, like other applicants, program directors must directly supervise children ages 0-5 for at least 15 hours a week at a PFA site (during which the director’s presence must count toward the required adult-child ratio), in addition to meeting the education and employment requirements. Program directors meeting these criteria must submit a letter from their supervisor (e.g., executive director, chief executive) certifying that they meet the 15-hour requirement.
Q: I meet all the eligibility requirements for the BA/MA Bonus, but I missed the last deadline. Can I still claim a bonus for the period I worked at my PFA site?
Yes. Early childhood educators who satisfy education and employment requirements may receive bonuses for any quarter in which they qualify, through the end of the program year. For example, if you worked at a qualifying PFA site before the first quarter deadline (October 7, 2008) and failed to apply before the first deadline, you may apply during the second quarter (January 6, 2009 deadline) for a bonus covering eligible employment between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008.
Q: I am currently taking classes toward earning my bachelor degree this year. Can I still qualify to receive a BA/MA Bonus?
Yes. If you complete all necessary coursework for a bachelor degree on or before June 30, 2009, you can qualify to receive a BA/MA Bonus for any quarter during which you met the employment requirements and worked at a PFA site between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. You should apply for the BA/MA Bonus during the quarter in which you anticipate completing your coursework, as you will not receive any checks until you provide the necessary education verification.
Q: I have a BA/MA degree already, and I am currently taking classes toward earning my Teacher permit or completing my 24 units in child development/early care and education this year. Can I still qualify to receive a BA/MA Bonus?
Yes. If you complete all necessary coursework for a Teacher permit or complete your 24 units in CD/ECE or before June 30, 2009, you can qualify to receive a BA/MA Bonus for any quarter during which you met the degree and employment requirements and worked at a PFA site between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. You should apply for the BA/MA Bonus during the quarter in which you anticipate completing your coursework, as you will not receive any checks until you provide the necessary education verification.
Q: I have finished all my coursework toward a bachelor degree/Teacher permit/24 units in ECE/CD, but I am still waiting on transcripts from my college/university. Can I still qualify to receive a BA/MA Bonus?
Yes. If you complete all necessary coursework and otherwise meet the employment requirements and worked at a PFA site for the relevant quarter, you are eligible to receive a bonus check for that quarter. However, your check will not be mailed until your transcripts are received and reviewed.
Q: Do SFUSD Child Development Program site managers qualify for the BA/MA Bonus?
No. SFUSD Child Development Program site managers are not eligible.
Q: Do I have to apply for SF CARES to qualify for the BA/MA Bonus?
No. SF CARES and the BA/MA Bonus are separate programs, each with its own unique requirements. However, you are encouraged to apply to both programs if you meet the requirements for both.
Q: If I work at a PFA site, can I still receive an SF CARES stipend if I receive a BA/MA Bonus?
Yes. The SF CARES and BA/MA Bonus are separate programs, each with its own unique requirements. You are encouraged to apply to both programs if you meet the requirements for both.
Q: What positions are eligible for the BA/MA Bonus?
Qualifying educators at PFA sites must work in the position of Assistant Teacher, Associate Teacher, Teacher, Lead Teacher, Master Teacher, or Site Supervisor in center-based programs, or Owner or Assistant Teacher for family child care homes.
Q: My job title is not Assistant Teacher, Associate Teacher, Teacher, Lead Teacher, Master Teacher, or Site Supervisor in center-based programs, or Owner or Assistant Teacher for family child care homes. If I perform the same functions, can I still qualify for the BA/MA Bonus?
Yes. Your director or other agency personnel authorized to verify employment will be asked to identify the job title from the list above that most closely matches your job responsibilities.
Q: Can San Francisco Unified School District teachers qualify for the BA/MA Bonus?
Yes. As long as you meet the requirements related to educational attainment, position held and employment at a PFA site.
Q: Is there a cap on how much I can earn before I am no longer eligible for the BA/MA Bonus?
No. There are no income restrictions for the BA/MA Bonus. The only requirements are related to educational attainment, position held and employment at a PFA site.
Q: Do I have to teach four-year-olds to qualify for a BA/MA Bonus?
No. Any Assistant Teacher, Associate Teacher, Teacher, Lead Teacher, Master Teacher, or Site Supervisor in center-based programs, or Owner or Assistant Teacher for family child care homes, is eligible if he/she meets the educational requirements, is employed at a PFA site, and serves children ages 0-5.
Q: Where can I get a copy of the BA/MA Bonus application?
Applications for the BA/MA Bonus program are available at the SF CARES office at 706 Mission Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103 or by calling (415) 856-8140. You may also download the BA/MA Bonus application from First 5 San Francisco’s Web site. (Click here for application)
Q: I earned my BA/MA degree in another country. Can I still qualify for the BA/MA Bonus?
Possibly. If your transcript/degree is from a foreign university, the transcript/degree must be evaluated by an agency accepted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. You may submit a copy of the equivalency documentation from an approved agency to SF CARES for review and approval. Contact SF CARES for a list of approved agencies.
Q: I’m taking Fall 2008 semester classes that will make me eligible for the BA/MA Bonus, but I will not have my grades by the January 6, 2009 deadline. Will I still be able to get the bonus for the second quarter?
Yes. If all work eligibility requirements are met, you will be able to get the bonus. You should submit your application by January 6, 2009. Your bonus (application) will be held until you submit official transcripts with verification of your successfully completed coursework. Please note that you will have had to work during that quarter after your coursework was completed.
Download the guidelines and application here:
Application Guidelines | Application | Continuing Eligibility Form
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