The time for change is now. We can (and must) do it.
Being a teacher, a woman, and an early childhood educator is financially hazardous, according to CASJE’s recent report, “Compensation: The Salaries and Benefits of Jewish Educators.”
This information is not new, and it is not unique to early childhood Jewish education. What is new is that we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change this.
Congress is currently considering a massive investment in early childhood education, as part of the $3.5 trillion soft infrastructure plan being proposed via budget reconciliation. If this legislation passes, then all three- and four-year old Americans would have the right to a free, high-quality education. With a mixed delivery system (in which Jewish and other early childhood centers could access federal funds to run their programs) and pay parity with local K-12 schools, federal funding would enable centers to properly compensate educators. It is critical that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) leads the charge by ensuring that this investment centers around a mixed delivery system and pay parity.
Read the full article here!
