Historical Exploration of Early Care and Education Compensation, Policy, and Solutions

The Early Educator Investment Collaborative commissioned a report from Child Trends, “Mary Pauper: A Historical Exploration of Early Care and Education Compensation, Policy, and Solutions,” that maps the history of systemic racism in the U.S. and how it has influenced early childhood education (ECE) policy and practice, with a particular focus on educator pay and benefits, preparation, and workforce stability.

The report also articulates a set of recommendations for policy, practice, and future research to improve the professional status of early childhood educators. 

In a recent webinar, the authors of the report engaged a panel of discussants about the report findings and explored how the history of systemic racism in the U.S. has influenced ECE policy and practice. The panel explored recommendations for specific federal, state, and local policies and practices that may help facilitate change. The session recording can be viewed below.