6 Policies to Support the Early Childhood Workforce

Summary:

6 Policies to Support the Early Childhood Workforce shares six policies that the federal government should include as part of significant federal financing reform for early care and education. The following policies will be implemented in partnership with communities: 

  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive professional development system with stable funding and measures for quality assurance. 
  • Develop or revise statewide career pathways that provide a road map for early childhood professionals to advance in their careers through increasing levels of education, experience, demonstrated competencies, and compensation. 
  • Make progress toward compensation and benefit standards at parity with kindergarten teachers. 
  • Promote data-driven policies and programs for the workforce with a statewide workforce registry.
  • Bolster scholarship programs for early educators.
  • Reward degree completion with wage supplements or tax credits.

These coordinated, integrated policies aim to promote a diverse early childhood workforce that is skilled, supported, and adequately compensated.

Area: Recognition of the profession Training & professional development
Type: Policy document
Sector: Education & Care
Region: North America
Country: USA
Resource file:
Resource web file:
www.americanprogress.org