Extension Update from Megan Burda: New Buffett Institute Study Reveals Struggles, Strengths of Child Care Providers

New Buffett Institute Study Reveals Struggles, Strengths of Child Care Providers

Low compensation, lack of health and retirement benefits, uneven professional preparation, and stress are among the everyday challenges confronted by the more than 1,600 participants in the “Nebraska Early Childhood Workforce Survey.” Conducted by the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska, the survey is the largest, most comprehensive ever of the state’s early childhood workforce. Participants represented four early childhood settings—licensed home-based child care programs, licensed center-based programs, public pre-kindergarten programs, and elementary schools serving children in kindergarten through grade 3 (K-3).

The findings have serious implications for families, employers, and communities statewide, said Samuel J. Meisels, founding executive director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute. Nearly 80 percent of children age 5 and younger in Nebraska are in some form of paid child care, and 62 percent of mothers with infants are in the workforce.

“Teachers and child care providers are fundamental to young children achieving their potential and growing into capable and confident young people,” Meisels said. “How we prepare, compensate, and support these professionals is a critical issue facing families, communities, and the state of Nebraska.”

Key findings of the study include:

• Lack of Livable Wages and Benefits for Child Care Providers and Teachers: Home-based providers and center-based teachers earn a median wage of $11/hour, roughly half as much as pre-K ($21/hour) and K-3 teachers ($23/hour.) (Center-based teachers’ median annual salary of $18,706 is nearly $7,800 below the poverty line for a family of four.) Less than half of all center-based teachers receive health insurance, paid maternity leave and retirement benefits.
• Reliance on Second Jobs and Public Assistance: In differing ways and to differing degrees, both child care providers and K-3 teachers supplement their salaries. Second jobs are more common among teachers and public assistance is more common among child care providers. Approximately 20 percent of pre-K and K-3 teachers hold second jobs, and 27 percent of home-based providers and 20 percent of center-based teachers utilize public assistance. 
• Uneven and Often Insufficient Education and Preparation: Preparation to enter the workforce is uneven across settings. Nearly all pre-K and K-3 teachers have bachelor’s degrees, but less than half of home-based providers and center-based teachers have a bachelor’s degree. Teachers living in urban areas tend to have more advanced degrees than teachers in rural areas. Less than half of K-3 teachers surveyed felt well-prepared to work with families at the start of their careers, and between 27 percent and 50 percent of teachers and child care providers did not feel well-prepared to teach at the beginning of their careers.
• Stress and Well-Being: Eight percent to 11 percent of all early childhood educators report clinically significant depressive symptoms. Some teachers in all settings experience high levels of stress and low levels of support.

Despite these challenges, findings point to several areas of promise within the early care and education field in Nebraska. For example, teachers tend to have considerable experience in the field—12 years or more on average—which demonstrates a commitment to their work. Teachers participate in a variety of trainings and ongoing professional development and, among teachers with degrees, most majored in education-related fields. 

The Nebraska Early Childhood Workforce Survey provides an important first step toward ensuring a skilled, informed, and diverse workforce in Nebraska by documenting the status, working conditions, and attitudes of early childhood professionals across the state, said Susan Sarver, director of workforce planning and development at the Buffett Institute.

“If we want to provide high-quality care and learning experiences for young children, we must invest in the adults who provide it,” Sarver said. “The research is clear that if we do so, everyone benefits—children, families, employers and communities.” 

For more details and a copy of the report, please visit the Buffett Institute website. 

Fall 2017 Paper Clover Fundraiser, October 4-15, 2017

Two times a year, National 4-H Council partners with the nation’s leading rural lifestyle retailer, Tractor Supply Company (TSC), to host a national Paper Clover Promotion! 

The Paper Clover Promotion is a consumer-driven fundraising promotion where customers at your local Tractor Supply can support 4-H by purchasing a paper clover for $1 at the checkout. The Fall Paper Clover Promotion will be held from Wednesday, October 4, through Sunday, October 15, 2017. 4-H Clubs are encouraged to participate in store during the event to help increase fundraising dollars and be entered into the Paper Clover Participation Sweepstakes.

During the semi-annual event, we invite friends and family to support 4-H by donating $1 at checkout in stores to contribute to scholarships that send kids in your state to 4-H camp and other leadership experiences.

This fall, 90% of the funds raised in our state will be given back to the Nebraska 4-H Foundation. The funds given to the Nebraska 4-H Foundation will be used for scholarships to support 4-H youth from all areas of the state who will be attending camp or other leadership activities. During the spring Paper Clover promotion, Nebraska raised $3,272 for 4-H camp and leadership experiences.