Understand The Crisis
$30,370
National childcare worker median pay annually (2023)
25%
Of childcare workers live below the poverty line
$14.60
National childcare worker median pay hourly (2023)
$40,060
California childcare worker median pay annually (2023)
$19.26
California childcare worker median pay hourly (2023)
Being a childcare worker is one of the most challenging, yet most important professions.
Childcare workers literally make our communities run. Yet, through out time, they have been one of the most underpaid and least appreciated professions, making significantly less than elementary teachers.
These educators often earn wages below the poverty line and receive minimal benefits, many have faced food insecurity, and almost all work long hours with little reward other than the love of their profession.
The Reality For Teachers
The childcare and early learning workforce, predominantly composed of women and disproportionately women of color, faces significant challenges of being underpaid and undervalued.
Despite their crucial role in child development, these educators often earn wages below the poverty line and receive minimal benefits, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic which led to a significant decline in workforce numbers and slow recovery.
