Early educators are trained in brain development and structure the day specifically for the children in their care based on age.

The activities they plan help children reach developmental milestones, such as literacy, gross and fine motor skills, problem-solving, socializing, and so much more!

Early educators provide a foundation for developmental success in all of the children they teach.

State and federal funding for the Purchase of Care program is based on an out-of-date system that does not cover the full cost of care, which results in

• Low hourly rates for educators.

  • As of 2019, the average hourly rate for an early educator in Delaware was $10.60, down from $10.68 in 2017.

  • Many centers also cannot afford health care or paid time off for their staff.

• Parent fees are high and can equal as much as a mortgage payment.

Pre-COVID, the turnover rate of early educators in Delaware was between 30% - 40%.

• During COVID, the turnover rate rose to over 50%, and some centers experienced 100% turnover between September 2020 and September 2021.

Capacity guidelines during COVID forced providers to close classrooms and to not serve as many children, turning away families.

Now, in 2022, capacity restraints have been lifted, and providers are now unable to find staff to reopen those once-closed rooms.

• There are children in Delaware who are not benefiting from an early learning program.

• There are families in need of care that cannot find a local provider.

• The staff who remain in early learning centers are overworked and underpaid.