How Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee Helped Cheryl Stay in Early Childhood Education

For many early childhood educators, the work isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. For Cheryl Floyd, that calling started early.

“I started off as a babysitter for my younger brother,” she recalls. “Then I began volunteering at the center where my mom worked. I went to school just for the love of children. I love working with children.”

Like so many in the field, Cheryl built her life around caring for others. But when her personal life changed, everything else did too.

When Life Changes, Financial Stability Matters

After more than 20 years of marriage in a two-income household, Cheryl went through a painful divorce. The emotional toll was heavy—but the financial impact was even more overwhelming.

Suddenly, Cheryl was facing rising expenses on a single income. Like many early childhood educators, she found herself asking a difficult question:

Would her salary be enough to sustain her?

As bills began to stack up, the uncertainty grew.

How WAGE$ Salary Supplements Made a Difference

Fortunately, Cheryl had already taken an important step—she had applied for Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee.

That decision changed everything.

“It was a godsend,” Cheryl says. “That first check came in, and I was able to pay my first month’s rent. It helped me out so much. And every single time that I get the stipend, it comes in handy.”

For Cheryl, WAGE$ wasn’t just extra income—it was stability during one of the most difficult times in her life.

“I’m so grateful for Child Care WAGE$,” she says through tears. “I’m just so grateful.”

Supporting Early Childhood Educators Across Tennessee

Cheryl’s story is powerful—but she’s not alone.

Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee provides salary supplements to early childhood educators across the state, helping them stay in the field, continue their careers, and support themselves and their families.

In the past year alone:

27,000+ educators received WAGE$ supplements
Over $6 million was distributed to Tennessee’s early childhood workforce
57,000+ children were impacted by educators receiving support

These numbers represent more than funding—they represent retention, stability, and stronger classrooms for children across Tennessee.

Why WAGE$ Matters for Early Childhood Education

Early childhood educators play a critical role in shaping young minds, supporting families, and strengthening communities. But too often, they face financial challenges that make it difficult to stay in the profession.

Programs like Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee help bridge that gap by:

Providing direct salary supplements
Supporting educator retention
Encouraging continued education and professional growth
Strengthening the overall early childhood workforce

For educators like Cheryl, that support can be life-changing.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you’re an early childhood educator in Tennessee facing financial stress, career uncertainty, or simply looking for additional support—WAGE$ may be able to help.

But more importantly, you’re not alone—and Cheryl’s story is proof of that.

Below, watch Cheryl Floyd share how Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee helped her stay afloat during one of the most difficult times in her life. Her story is honest, powerful, and a reminder of what support in this field can truly mean.

Because behind every classroom is a real person—and sometimes, hearing someone else’s story makes all the difference.