About the initiative

Many child care providers face challenges retaining qualified staff because wages in early care and education remain significantly lower than in many other industries.

Through this initiative, participating programs receive monthly stipends that are distributed to eligible classroom educators, recognizing the critical role early educators play in children’s development and in supporting working families.

If you have questions about the initiative, please Contact Us. Contact Us.

Purpose of the INitiative

The Early Educator Wage Initiative is part of a regional effort to strengthen the early childhood workforce and support the sustainability of child care programs by:  

• Retaining and valuing early educators through monthly wage stipends

• Strengthening the quality and stability of early childhood programs

• Increasing access to care for families, particularly in rural communities

• Supporting the economic stability of child care programs

Child Care Network serves as the Regional Child Care Coalition Lead and project lead for the initiative in:

Region 6: Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, and Tuscola Counties and
Region 9: Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties