Increase Standards and Compensation of Birth-through-Age-Five Educators | North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation

Pathways Recommendation

Increase education standards and develop a sustainable plan (including incentives and loan forgiveness) to align birth-through-age-five educator compensation with that of K-12 educators. As a part of this work, expand WAGE$ and T.E.A.C.H. for Birth-through-age-five Educators and Directors. Expand WAGE$ and T.E.A.C.H. early childhood scholarships statewide for teachers, directors, and family child care providers to earn Early Childhood Education certificates, Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees, B-K licenses, preschool add-on licenses, and/or Master’s degrees in early childhood leadership and management.

Pathways Action Map > Expectation 3: Education Action 3.12: Increase Standards and Compensation of Birth-through-Age-Five Educators

Why This Matters

In North Carolina, early educators with a bachelor’s degree are paid nearly 30% less on average than their colleagues in the K-8 system.¹ Many early educators also do not receive benefits. Research shows that increasing the standards and compensation of birth-through-age five educators improves the quality of care children receive. When educators are adequately trained and compensated, they are also more likely to enter and remain in the profession.