Recently, a kind educator at my son’s preschool inquired if I knew anyone in the neighborhood who might be interested in a part-time position for the upcoming school year. The role involved working three hours a day, serving lunch to the children and helping them settle down for nap time. “It would be perfect for a stay-at-home parent looking to engage with the community and earn some extra income,” she mentioned. I wholeheartedly agreed.
However, when I asked about the pay, I was taken aback. “It’s $10 an hour,” she said, pausing slightly before revealing the figure. $10 an hour?! In our suburban town just outside New York City, that barely covers the cost of a couple of hours of parking. Even a casual outing for pizza with the kids exceeds that amount. Committing to care for a lively group of four-year-olds at a mere $10 an hour felt almost like volunteering (not that there’s anything wrong with volunteering).
It’s important to note that the teacher sharing this information had good intentions; she is not to blame for the paltry wages that early childhood educators earn in our community and across the nation. In a town where living expenses are sky-high, $10 an hour is almost nothing. While it might have some value in other regions, it’s likely that wages in those areas are similarly low.
Let’s face it: with the federal minimum wage still hovering around $7.50 per hour, earning $10 per hour essentially means living in poverty, regardless of location. The reality is that we have a significant and unacceptable issue in our country regarding how we compensate child care professionals. Out of all the jobs I’ve held, working in child care has been the most demanding, both physically and emotionally. Whether babysitting, tutoring, or working in a preschool, I devoted my energy, resources, and affection to the children, often ending my days utterly drained.
Yet, my compensation was dismal. I earned significantly more typing resumes, a task requiring minimal effort and offering little fulfillment. Even as a library clerk, I made more money for a job that was nearly effortless.
I am far from alone in this experience. According to a recent NPR report, the national average pay for child care workers is under $10 per hour, and nearly half rely on public assistance, such as food stamps or Medicaid.
Pause for a moment to consider this. These are the individuals entrusted with providing a nurturing and secure environment for our children while we are apart. Why should they endure financial struggles, worrying if their next paycheck will cover rent or afford nutritious meals for their own families? Imagine the stress they face, which can undoubtedly affect their job performance. This situation is unfair to everyone involved.
This stress contributes to a staggering turnover rate among child care workers, which hovers around 30%, as noted in a 2012 article. It also explains why many talented individuals, who could profoundly enrich our children’s lives, are either not entering the child care field or leaving it swiftly—not due to a lack of enjoyment, but because they cannot afford to remain.
Michele Rivers, the executive director of the North Carolina Child Care Coalition, shared with NPR, “We’re witnessing a high turnover of [child care] teachers. We’re seeing the lowest enrollment in our community college programs for early education. And I think it’s all attributable to low wages.”
Many parents are also feeling the strain from another perspective—the exorbitant cost of child care. For many, affording it is simply not possible, while others find that a significant portion of their salaries is spent on child care, turning it into a financial burden.
The reality is that it doesn’t have to be this way. In other developed nations, such as the Netherlands, the government subsidizes child care, making it affordable for families while ensuring fair compensation for child care workers. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be a priority for our current administration, but there are politicians who recognize the need for change in America. If you share this sentiment, I encourage you to raise your voice and advocate for reform.
Child care workers and our children deserve better.
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Summary: Child care workers in the U.S. are often paid poverty wages, which leads to high turnover rates and financial struggles. Many talented individuals are leaving the field, despite their passion, due to inadequate compensation. Other countries provide better support for child care, highlighting the need for change in America.