ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

I think a huge part of the problem is that we have a degree in something everyone thinks they can do without one! I've had parents say to me "oh so you had to go to university to do this?! "

Yes, it is an exciting time to be in the Early Care Field. New studies on the importance of the first five years is very encouraging. However, the money we receive seems to always go to upper management and administration of programs rather than to those of us in the field. I have been in Early Care and Education field for 33 years I have 2 Associate Degrees, BA Degree and would like to finish my masters however with the salary I earn 17.00 per hour it makes it difficult. Agencies do not encourage teachers to think outside the box and when they do teachers are criticized. Management expects teachers to put in their own time and money to the classrooms. Teachers do not have scheduled time to lesson plan and research creative learning ideas. Classrooms are stuffed to the brim with infant and toddlers, which is not appropriate according to WESTED research. Then we wonder why as children grow they become aggressive and frustrated. Let's hope the funders take a close look at how money is spent and support the teachers who are on the front lines doing their best every day to provide quality care and education to the children in their programs.

Early childhood education workers' pay needs to be increased. Ongoing d.a.p. training needs to be built in to schedule, so that e.c.e. workers feel valued, and want to stay & develop relationships with children & co-workers!🌺

Early Education in America is an old institution built on a foundation of judgement and perspectives about the value and worth of the work. It is unable, and in some instances unwilling, to support all the add-ons of current research and quality expectations. Change is going to require accepting a shift across many platforms, including territorial educational systems.
Quality and compensation impacts costs and accessibility. That's great that everyone is appalled, but no one will commit the resources. We haven't learned to balance our Western Individualism and "do it yourself" attitude with a sense of community responsibility.
Interesting, we will compassionately give to people suffering from disasters. I would say for children in America, Early Education and Care is a heartbreaking disaster in need of a telethon.
For perspective...I completed my initial Child Development Certification (32units) at a community college in 1978. (the only place to take them and under Home Economics) Education BA's were for elementary and above. Minimum wage was $2.90/hour and my first job paid me $7.50/hr...more than twice minimum wage. I had a profession and a career.
It is 38 years later...quality programs want BA's and above and many young teachers are being offered $9 or $10/hr to work in programs that receive CA state funding. In 2016 minimum wage will jump to $10, so by comparison, early childhood educators should be making $20/hr in the private/non-profit sector...not even close.
I am still in the field because I passionately believe in the work...but yes, a heartbreaking disaster.

I agree with this article but it is missing one very important point. The people who staff the early care and education field also suffer from "Prolonged Financial Malnutrition." Compensation, including wages, benefits, and support for professional development continue to be profoundly lacking.

The great progress we are making has been made on the backs of incredibly wonderful and dedicated teachers and administrators who work for substandards wages.