Early childhood educators in Nashville are striving to address the critical challenge of making childcare more affordable for families while simultaneously advocating for better pay for teachers. The Nashville Early Education Coalition has recently conducted an analysis of financial data from 12 childcare centers that primarily serve low-income families, revealing a worrying disparity between the fees parents pay and the actual cost of providing quality care.
Alyssa Garnett-Arno, who is the executive director of Saint Mary Villa Childhood Development Center and a member of the coalition’s advisory council, highlighted this discrepancy, stating that the rates charged by parents do not reflect the true expenses involved in caring for children.
In contrast to K-12 public schools that receive extensive funding from state and federal sources, early childhood education for children under three years old lacks similar financial support. To help bridge this gap, Garnett-Arno and her staff participated in a recent training session aimed at enhancing their educational skills and providing more effective support to children and families.
The coalition’s findings show that between 2022 and 2024, the 12 childcare centers collectively received $5.3 million from the American Rescue Plan, which made a significant difference. Representative Melanie from the coalition noted that these funds enabled educators to receive improved pay and benefits, helping to create a more stable workforce.
Despite these efforts, many early childhood teachers in Nashville earn wages that do not meet the local living costs. Utilizing the ALICE Income Status Tool, it has been determined that a teacher with their own preschooler requires around $32 an hour to make ends meet, but even those holding advanced degrees often earn under $21 per hour.
Melanie pointed out the consequences of this wage gap: insufficient educators in the field lead to a shortage of available childcare slots. Teachers advocate for increased investment in early education, emphasizing its importance not only in giving children a solid foundation but also in allowing parents to maintain their careers.
The coalition encourages dialogue on this issue, inviting parents and educators alike to share their experiences regarding childcare costs.
This proactive approach from the Nashville Early Education Coalition serves as a hopeful reminder that with continued awareness and support, the quality of early childhood education can improve, benefiting both educators and families in the community.