Two years ago, I faced a health crisis that not only threatened my well-being but also risked the continuity of care for the families I serve through my home-based child care program. It all started with heart palpitations and difficulty breathing while cleaning up at the end of a workday. After several medical visits, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFIB) and had to undergo multiple procedures, including heart surgery, to address the issue.
As the owner of a child care program, I had to take a leave of absence to focus on my treatment and recovery. During this challenging time, I relied on my adult daughters and part-time teacher to keep the program running smoothly. This experience made me realize the lack of a safety net for early childhood educators like myself when faced with illness or retirement.
Despite my decades of experience in early childhood education, the profession poses numerous challenges, from inadequate compensation to lack of respect. The lack of financial support during my health crisis was particularly disheartening, as I had to seek assistance to keep my program afloat.
A survey conducted by the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) revealed that only 16 percent of early childhood educators have sufficient income to afford essential benefits such as retirement and health insurance. This highlights the undervaluation and lack of support for professionals in the field.
While some states are addressing aspects of the child care crisis, the overarching issue of undervaluation persists. With child care workers earning an average of just $32,070 annually, fair compensation, benefits, and federal support are crucial to recognizing our vital role.
The lack of adequate support for early childhood educators not only affects us but also impacts children and families. When experienced professionals are forced to step away due to health concerns or financial instability, it disrupts the quality of care provided to children and strains relationships with families.
Addressing these systemic issues requires increased investment in the child care sector to ensure fair compensation and benefits for early educators. Advocacy efforts must also focus on implementing policies that prioritize the well-being of child care providers and the children in their care.
Despite the physical limitations I still face, I am committed to advocating for early childhood educators and raising awareness about the challenges we encounter. I have actively participated in advisory boards, panel discussions, and engaged with local authorities to drive change in the child care sector.
As I approach my 20th year as a family child care provider, I remain proud of the program I have built—a safe and nurturing environment for children and a source of peace of mind for their families. I will continue to raise my voice and advocate for the recognition, support, and value that early educators deserve as essential contributors to society.
