The Workforce Behind the Workforce: Investing in Early Educators for Economic Resilience

Expanding access to early childhood education means little without a strong, well-supported workforce. High-quality early learning depends on educators who are skilled in child development, culturally responsive practices, and trauma-informed care. Yet, early childhood educators remain among the lowest-paid professionals in the education sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), the median annual wage for preschool teachers was just $35,330, significantly lower than elementary school teachers, who earned a median of $61,690.¹

To address this gap, municipalities should prioritize professional development pipelines and wage equity for early educators. Local governments can partner with community colleges and universities to offer credentialing programs, tuition assistance, and paid practicum placements. Offering tiered compensation linked to educational attainment and classroom quality can help retain skilled teachers and attract new talent. Additionally, integrating early educators into broader K-12 professional networks promotes alignment across the educational continuum and signals the value of early learning professionals within the system.

Integrating Early Learning into Local Economic Development

Early childhood education is an essential infrastructure for economic growth. Parents cannot participate fully in the workforce without reliable, affordable child care. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (2021), the lack of accessible child care costs the U.S. economy $57 billion annually in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.² Municipal governments can play a pivotal role by treating early education facilities as critical assets in economic development plans.

Incentivizing the development of child care centers through zoning relief, grants, and tax incentives can help meet local demand. For example, some cities have used Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to support facility upgrades and capacity expansion in high-need areas. Including early learning centers in mixed-use developments or near employment hubs supports working families and contributes to more resilient local economies. By aligning early education access with workforce development efforts, municipalities can create mutually reinforcing benefits for families and businesses alike.

Data-Driven Approaches to Improve Access and Quality

Local governments must use data to inform policy, allocate resources effectively, and measure progress. Many cities and counties lack comprehensive data on early learning participation, provider quality, and unmet needs. Without this information, it is difficult to identify service gaps or evaluate the impact of initiatives. Establishing centralized early childhood data systems, in partnership with state agencies and local providers, enables municipalities to track enrollment trends, educator credentials, and quality ratings over time.

For example, San Antonio’s Pre-K 4 SA initiative regularly publishes performance reports and uses data to refine instructional strategies, target professional development, and engage families.³ Municipalities should also involve community stakeholders in interpreting data and setting goals. This collaborative approach ensures that data collection translates into action and accountability. Investing in data infrastructure not only supports transparency but also strengthens the case for sustained public investment in early learning.

Building Inclusive Systems That Reflect Community Needs

To be effective, early childhood systems