Historically, professions held largely by Black, Indigenous, and people of color in the United States have been pervasively undervalued and underpaid. This is especially true for the early care and education workforce,
primarily women and 40% of whom are women of color.
Early educators are among the lowest paid in every state, which disproportionately impacts Black and Brown women.
Nearly half of early educators earn poverty-level wages, depend on public assistance, and only 15% receive employer-sponsored health insurance.
To combat an inequitable system,
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation indicates that state and local chambers of commerce and industry have
key roles in helping provide small business resources to child care providers. Chambers can also help convene community leaders who are interested in better supporting working families with young children.