National initiative aims to improve pay and conditions for early educators

People/ File: UDaily

 According to UDaily, every April, the National Association for the Education of Young Children marks the Week of the Young Child to highlight the value of quality early childhood education (ECE) and to recognize the professionals who provide it.

Rena Hallam, a professor at the University of Delaware and interim dean of its College of Education and Human Development, participates in this celebration each year while also advocating for the field throughout the year. Although families rely heavily on ECE programs, those working in the sector are among the lowest-paid professionals, earning about $13 per hour on average.

Hallam emphasizes that research clearly shows how critical high-quality early childhood education is for children’s growth and learning. However, she notes that not enough attention has been given to the workforce itself. She explains that while educators are expected to deliver strong programs, they also need fair wages, access to education, and support to succeed in their careers.

Since 2023, Hallam has served as co-director of research for the National ECE Workforce Center, a federally funded initiative supported by a $30 million, five-year investment from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The center provides research and technical support aimed at improving recruitment and retention of a skilled and diverse ECE workforce.

According to Hallam, this initiative represents the first major federal effort focused specifically on strengthening the ECE workforce. Unlike the K–12 system, early childhood education funding is fragmented and largely dependent on families. The center works to address challenges related to pay, working conditions, and career pathways.

Under Hallam’s leadership, the center has made significant progress, including the creation of the ECE Workforce Systems Change Framework. This tool helps state and local leaders implement policy changes to improve wages, career advancement opportunities, and workplace conditions.

The framework outlines strategies for policy development, with a strong focus on ensuring fair compensation, including access to benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans. It is freely available and part of a broader collection of resources designed to guide improvements in the field.

Hallam notes that many states are responding positively. So far, 12 states have formally partnered with the center through “communities for action,” collaborating on targeted goals through guided planning and shared learning.

Additional states-including Connecticut, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, and Pennsylvania-have participated in research partnerships focused on implementing practical changes. These collaborations bring together leaders and teams working on specific improvements in policies and systems.

One notable success comes from New Mexico, where new legislation passed in February 2026 allocates over $60 million annually to establish a standardized pay scale and career structure for ECE professionals. This ensures consistent wages and clearer advancement opportunities across different workplaces.

The legislation was based on recommendations developed in 2025 by a team of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working together to improve the system.

Educators involved in the initiative have expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute. Jaime R. Bangson, a teacher and advisory board member, highlighted the value of collaborating with peers nationwide to share ideas, identify needs, and support meaningful policy changes.

The center’s main partners include Child Trends, ZERO TO THREE, and the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Although federal funding for the center will end on April 30, 2026, its resources will remain publicly accessible. Hallam and her colleagues will continue their efforts to support early childhood educators through ongoing research and outreach.

For those interested in pursuing careers or professional development in early childhood education, the University of Delaware offers various programs and resources through its Department of Human Development and Family Sciences and the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood.