Building an economy that works. For everyone.
First class in learning. First class in life.
Help deliver first-class care to Washington's
children.
The Wage Ladder is the only early learning program in Washington proven to improve the quality of child care. An independent, multi-year study of Washington’s Early Childhood Education Career and Wage Ladder by Washington State University found that in comparison to other child care centers:
- Wage Ladder centers provide higher-quality early learning and care.
- Significantly more Wage Ladder teachers pursue additional education and specialized coursework.
- All levels of staff in Wage Ladder centers earn higher salaries.
- Wage Ladder centers have higher retention rates among newly-hired staff.
- Administrators at Wage Ladder centers report higher morale and increased commitment and professionalism among teachers.
The Wage Ladder is also essential to keep great teachers on the job. And at a cost of about $250 per child per year, it represents a frugal, robust, and evidence-based investment in better care for children.
But despite its proven success, just 3% of child care centers have access to the Wage Ladder. You can help change that; by sending the e-card below to our state leaders, you can help ensure the Wage Ladder continues to deliver quality early learning and care to children across Washington. (You can see some of the postcards parents and teachers have already written here.)
Step 1:
Use the form below to write a message about why high-quality child care or the Wage Ladder matters to you. For example:
- If you teach in a Wage Ladder center, highlight how the Wage Ladder improves one or two of the following: quality of care, job stability, motivation for education, wages, commitment, or morale.
- If you teach in a non-Wage Ladder center, highlight why education, wages, turnover, and morale matter to high-quality care.
- If you are a parent, highlight why children need high-quality care and/or why your children’s teachers matter so much to you.
