Qualifications

The training program for unlicensed caregivers who:

  • Live and provide care in Merced County
  • Work in a home or a community-based setting
  • Are a paid caregiver or provide unpaid care to friends or family

Unpaid family and friend caregivers are eligible for courses and
coaching, but not incentives.

Examples of home and community-based setting include
Adult Day Care, AIDS Waiver, Assisted Living Waiver, Caregiver Resource Centers, Community-Based Adult Services, Home and Community-Based Alternatives Waiver, Multipurpose Senior Services Program, Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE), Other

 

Example of eligible paid caregivers include
Home Care Aides, Care Coordinators or Care Managers, Dementia Care Specialists, Care Coordinators, Transportation Providers, Community Health Workers, non-IHSS affiliated/personal care assistants, and other unlicensed care workers

Ineligible for the
Training Program

The training is not intended for caregivers who:

  • Work only in institutional settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, health care settings
  • Are licensed (such as an RNs or LVNs) or certified as an HHA
  • Are an IHSS provider who has participated in the Career Pathways program and/or does not hold another paid caregiving position.

How To Apply

Step 1

Apply Online

Submit Application

Step 2

Receive Notification

Application Status

Step 3

Speak with a Specialist

Determine Eligibility

Step 4

Enrollment

Program Enrollment & Training Details

Step 5

Start Date

Training Begins

Apply Now

Learn & Earn Program Paid Direct Care Workers

While developing skills and growing your careers, eligible paid Direct Care Workers could earn $1,500 for completing the CalGrows training courses.


Level 1: Learn

Incentive $1,500 stipend (equivalent to $30/HR).
Complete 50 hours of Learn and Earn courses.


Requirements

  • Must be a Merced County resident.
  • Proof of employment as a direct care worker in a home or community based setting for 60 days prior to enrolling in a course.
  • Proof of completed Learn and Earn courses

Additional earning opportunities are available by visiting the
CalGrows website at www.calgrows.org.


For questions, contact Miranda Moreno at (209) 930-0766

Training Provided by:
Amie Marchini Gerontologist, Inc

Technical Assistance

Where can I get help filling out my application?

If you need help with your application, our team and/or community partners can help you fill out your application and assist you by uploading your required documents. The application process should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Don't sweat it - We have your back!

Merced County has collaborated with Cultiva la Salud to provide you with technical assistance and translation support when submitting your application for the training program.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there costs for participants?

No, there are no cost to participants. The CalGrows program is free to eligible Merced County residents.

Do caregivers qualify if the work in a care facility and also provide in-home or community care?

As long as they provide in-home or community care for more than 40 hours a month.

Will courses be held virtually or in person?

Courses will take place in a classroom setting with guidance from a Career Coach that will make sure the instructional material is being taught.

View more FAQ

Cell-Ed is the third-party administrator of the CalGrows program - Details are affiliated with the California Department of Aging's Direct Care Workforce Training and Stipends Program.