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Hourly pay rate

  • 1.  Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-01-2021 12:45 PM
    Hello All...

    I am a director of a childcare/preschool in Indianapolis Indiana, we are a ministry of a church. I know that everyone is from all over on the forum, however I would just like to get some response on what your starting pay rate would be for an individual with no experience. Seems from the pandemic we are having a really difficult time with new employment and I want to research the starting pay options along with adjusting toward experience the individual may have.

    Allyson Ball
    Imagination Station
    Southport United Methodist Church
    Indianapolis Indiana

    ------------------------------
    Allyson Ball
    Director
    Imagination Station
    Indianapolis IN
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-02-2021 12:28 AM
    I have worked at an headstart as a teacher. I only was making 15 dollars an hour with 6 years of college in Early Childhood Education.  I'm currently working on my Dr. Degree at Walden University in Early Childhood Education/Administration Leadership. I guess it just depends on the state that your in. I live in GA in the South.





  • 3.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-03-2021 05:55 AM
    Hello, that is about average I guess. It depends on the owner of the facilitator and pay in your state. I live in Illinois I have two masters degrees, seven years in Early Childhood and 25 years for grades 6-12 as a one on one tutor and testing facilitator. Head-start lead teachers sometimes only get $8.50 an hour.  I get $13 an hour. Samson is use your expertise to get points to get their status but don't be reward you for work  I still think it's unfair

    ------------------------------
    Lee Garner
    Teacher/Tutor
    Garner Tutoring Service
    Calumet City IL
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-03-2021 06:01 AM
    Correction 25 years working with grades six through twelve. I only get $13 an hour. Samson mistake I meant they want your expertise to get their status like silver and gold status but don't pay you your worth.

    ------------------------------
    Lee Garner
    Teacher/Tutor
    Garner Tutoring Service
    Calumet City IL
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-02-2021 01:06 AM
    What is the class that you are recruiting for? How many kids will the new teacher be responsible?  How many child care credits/CDA/ or a Child Development degree do he/she has? If they have childcare credits do this person have infant/toddler credits also?  Will they be someone that would also provide breaks to other teachers?
    These are the question I would weigh to assist me in determine their pay rate and most importantly to keep the turnover low.

    I create a grid for above to start at a entry level and if they meet my most important criteria establish a start pay of $15 per hour with a possibility of incremental merit raises based on job performance; Associate degree Lead Teacher $17, etc.. 


    ------------------------------
    Brenda Hardaway
    A Great Place 4 Kids
    Suisun City CA
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-02-2021 02:08 AM
    I have all of these credentials. I graduated with an associate degree from East Georgia College in Early Childhood Education. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree from BREWTON PARKER COLLEGE in General Studies/ Early Childhood Education. I passed the one part of the Gace the reading and social studies.  Being that I waited so long to go back to retake it they discredit it and I have to retake it all over again. I'm currently at Walden University working on my Dr. In Early Childhood Education/Leadership 





  • 7.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-02-2021 08:07 PM
    I misunderstood your post and looked at it from a director hiring viewpoint.  Your state's minimum wage is available to you via your state's website, this will be a great starting point.  If you already know it then go from there.

    I know that in my state Infant/Toddler teachers are always in high demand especially as a Lead Teacher.  You must decide what you are looking for.  What hours and what pay is acceptable to you? and what the market rate is for teachers in your state?   

    Don't discount or disregard the experience you may already possess.
    Experience working in a classroom setting while pursuing your degree counts.  So does working in a children's ministry with a specific age group.  Plus volunteering to work with a group of children.

    You will make the right choice, I am sure of it.


    ------------------------------
    Brenda Hardaway
    A Great Place 4 Kids
    Suisun City CA
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-02-2021 08:28 PM
    Yes...I agree and know that. Once...I finish my degree I would like to be a principal at a school or Dean at a college. Where do I need to go to seek this information.





  • 9.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-02-2021 07:07 AM
    Good morning, Allyson,
    Depending on the position that we are hiring for is the pay range.  We have had to stop looking at experience for positions such as floater and assistant teacher due to the lack of qualified applicants.  We start at $10.50 and go to about $11.50 per hour.  For leads, we do look for experience and education to fit with our NAEYC Accreditation status.  Again, we are having a difficult time even getting candidates to apply.  We range from $14.00 to $15.50 per hour.  In Missouri, I know of several centers struggling to get applicants to even apply for a job in the field.  It took us 9 months to find a lead two year old teacher (pre-COVID) and over 6 months to find a qualified lead pre-k teacher.  As for assistants and floaters, we are struggling to get anyone.  This is causing us to just hire to have the room covered.  There is a huge shortage of applicants and it is becoming a huge issue.  Hope that helps.  Have a great day!

    ------------------------------
    Cynthia Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education Cente
    Ellisville MO
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-02-2021 07:30 AM
    Is this for a lead teacher or an assistant?

    ------------------------------
    Elizabeth Weller
    Director
    Park Place Children's Center
    Anderson IN
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-02-2021 08:57 AM
    This would be for an assistant position. we currently start at 8.50 an hour. I am working on a scale to possibly increase and also take into consideration experience.

    ------------------------------
    Allyson Ball
    Director
    Imagination Station
    Indianapolis IN
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-02-2021 07:41 PM
    This is for a lead teacher.





  • 13.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-02-2021 08:56 AM
    Our part-time and full-time beginning teachers with no experience start at $12.04 per hour. I am in Texas so our pay rates may be much less than people in other parts of the country.

    ------------------------------
    Christine Webster
    Director
    Brazosport College Children's Center
    LAKE JACKSON TX
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-03-2021 12:17 AM
    This website is a little out of date, and the information is a bit specific to North Carolina, but the sample salary schedules may be helpful in thinking about how to structure your pay scale to reflect both education level and years of experience.
    https://ncicdp.org/compensation/

    I would also try to find out what your local school system pays Assistant Teachers, for instance, our statewide Pre-K program follows the salary ranges for public school employees and non-public school sites are encouraged to offer compensation commensurate with that of public school employees. 

    So according to the 2020-21 Salary Schedule  (  https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/district-operations/financial-and-business-services/compensation-public-school-employees ) Teacher Assistants are categorized as Non-Certified Staff, therefore falling under Salary Grade 56... Currently $2101.72 - $3,339.15 per month (which works out to a range of approx. $12- $19 per hour.)

    You may also consider utilizing an online Living Wage calculator to help make informed decisions more specifically tailored to your zip code/location.

    ------------------------------
    Deborah Musika
    Executive Director -
    Montgomery County
    Partnership for Children
    Troy, NC
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-03-2021 06:45 AM
    It is so frustrating to read these low pay rates for as professional service. Many of you are posting that you have done this for many years and have advanced degrees, yet settle for making below a living wage.

    If you are seeking teachers that have the same education and experience as kindergarten teachers, then I'd look up the average starting rate for public kindergarten teachers in your area. Start there and see what you can do with your budget to match that for your lead teachers. For assistant, look up what paraprofessionals are making in your area and try to match that. You may be having a difficult time hiring staff because the compensation isn't competitive.

    ------------------------------
    Alison Barnes
    Licensed Family Child Care Provider
    Garrison Family Care
    Chelmsford MA
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-03-2021 07:08 AM
    Many of us are working at tuition based centers and are unable to offer what a local school district can offer.  The school districts receive tax income, we do not.  Our center is solely tuition based.  We try to pay based on education and experience.  We research what other centers are offering and try to stay comparable or a bit above them.  Right now, there seems to be no interest in going into this field other than a transitional job.  There are very few people in our area making this their career, even before the pandemic.  It is sad.

    ------------------------------
    Cynthia Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education Cente
    Ellisville MO
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-03-2021 07:20 AM
    I agree. It is very sad. Fortunately the pandemic has brought to light that many essential jobs are underpaid and undervalued. Unfortunately, the current system isn't supportive of making change.

    If the ECE field wants highly qualified teachers and care givers, then your state licensing department should be looking for ways to support you. Write to you states director of ECE. Tell them what you need. I know that's long term goals and many here are looking to hire staff now, but we have to consider the long game if we want to make effective change and be paid in commensurate to our professional service.

    We have to push for change. A single anecdotal example from today's headlines: https://www.ktvb.com/mobile/article/news/local/208/idaho-republican-votes-against-education-funds-convenient-for-mothers-to-come-out-of-the-home/277-645ae7a7-601e-4557-9d7c-f8df5c22949c

    ------------------------------
    Alison Barnes
    Licensed Family Child Care Provider
    Garrison Family Care
    Chelmsford MA
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-03-2021 01:25 PM
    Hello every one,
    I think, that a person without experience can start on $10 to $12.

    ------------------------------
    Vilma Oliva
    Sarasota FL
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-03-2021 08:52 PM
    Hey! I work for a church as well and I think they started paying most people with experience and degrees around $10. Most often they start out at 8-9 on average. It is such a grey area though.

    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Alquist
    Teacher
    Concord First Academy
    Concord NC
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-04-2021 10:25 AM
    Hello,

    We start at 8.50 per hour. We just are not getting anyone even interested in working, they will call set up appt. but do not show. I have multiple calls for people wanting care, I have room but not enough staff to cover ratios.

    So I was trying to look at  pay scale as well as my budget so I can possibly make some adjustments.

    Thank you so much for all the info everyone has provided.

    ------------------------------
    Allyson Ball
    Director
    Imagination Station
    Indianapolis IN
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-04-2021 10:36 AM
    This happens to us all of the time.  We have had three people accept positions and then "no call/no show" or tell us at the last minute that they don't have a car.  I am fine if people get better opportunities for themselves, but just be respectful and communicate.  Nice to know that it isn't just us though.

    ------------------------------
    Cynthia Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education Cente
    Ellisville MO
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-05-2021 10:09 AM
    My site is not a church site, but if I were affiliated, I would explore options within the non-profit status to create a fund for teachers. There are probably some within the parent community who could and would give more than tuition if it were deductible. You would probably need to assure the leader of the church (or shul, mosque, synagogue, temple, etc.) that the funds would not divert donations from the larger organization. Even if the money didn't come to much, it would feel good for the teachers.

    ------------------------------
    Jeanne deMarrais
    The Mulberry Tree
    Santa Monica CA
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-07-2021 12:21 PM
    It is a hard situation to face and I think that we are all in the same boat!  One piece of caution that I would offer as you look to attract staff with elevated salary offerings is that you assure that your budget would be able to handle offering your existing staff a somewhat commensurate raise.  Make sure that you are taking care of the people who ARE working to keep your program open rather than just offering incentives to new hires. What can often happen is that centers or schools will increase the pay rates of new starts to attract candidates while the existing staff remains at their current rate and then, even if both receive raises based on cost of living allowances alone, the gap grows larger.

    It is also important to see how that difference in rate looks from an annualized point of view. Based on a 2000 hour work year (50 weeks), every additional .50/hour that you offer means an increase of $1000 in annual salary, so offering some teachers $8.50 while others receive $10 may not look like a huge difference, but it means that your new teacher is now making $3000/year more than your current employee. Then, after several years, what began as a small difference in salary will become a larger gap as the percentages lead to greater raises for those at the higher rates, which widens that gulf even more.  If you are paying Teacher 1 $8.50/hour and teacher 2 $10/hour, with just a 3% cost of living increase, after five years, teacher 1 has only gone from $8.50 (17,000 annual based on 2000 hours) to $9.57 (19,140), while teacher 2 has gone from $10 (20,000) to $11.26 (22,520). 

    It is striking that these are even the numbers that we are talking about for professional workers in charge of the most precious element of our community, but especially when the numbers are this small, every dollar can make a huge difference!  I salute you for trying to find a way to attract good folks, but please make sure that you are also taking care of the employees that are doing their jobs for you now.

    ------------------------------
    Holly Dalferes
    Director
    George Cottage at St Martin's Episcopal School
    Metairie LA
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-08-2021 03:17 PM
    Yes Holly, I totally agree with you we would have to adjust our current employees hourly wage as well, I have a great great staff and most are long term employees. I would not want to do anything that would make them not feel just as important.


    --
    Allyson Ball
    Director of Children's Ministry
    Southport United Methodist Church
    317-780-4624





  • 25.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-13-2021 11:18 AM
      |   view attached
    Hi @Allyson Ball,

    The compensation question is always like going down a rabbit hole. The Early Childhood Workforce Index 2020 is an interactive tool that can show you what other ECEs are making in your state by role and setting. It's definitely not reflective of what faculty 'should' make but might be helpful when relating to the pay-scales in your area. I've attached the IN state profile, if it's helpful at all.

    Best,
    Erin

    ------------------------------
    Erin Murray
    Education Consultant
    Moorestown, NJ
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)



  • 26.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-14-2021 11:35 AM

    Erin, thank you for that great resource!

    I would add a caveat, however, as some of the information may not accurately reflect the true state of early education in a particular state based on whether the the feedback used to determine the data included all types of centers or was focused only on federally funded programs. In Louisiana, and the New Orleans area in particular, we have an extensive network of Type II programs (who are held to the same Licensing standards, but do not receive many of the benefits of training, tax credits, etc. that are available to federally funded Type III programs) and Type I programs (sometimes part day, often church-based or private centers whose guidelines are less strenuous), so the chart that lists the comparisons between groups could give a somewhat skewed picture of the actual landscape of Early Ed in both directions. Salaries in public pre-k programs may be higher than in some private centers or schools, but there are also private infant and toddler programs that far exceed the rates paid in Early Head Start or comparable programs while others barely surpass minimum wage.

    It is certainly a great foundation for moving forward with the work toward a worthy wage, but it also illustrates the need to be more inclusive in our information gathering and in the resources dispatched to support the ECE workforce. Tax credits, in particular, are huge benefits available to all K-12 teachers, regardless of the type of school, but for ECE teachers, generally working at a much lower rate, they are only offered to those working in federally funded programs. The same is true for the families at these centers, so while education credits are available for K-12, only families with children in specific programs receive the benefit for choosing quality early care.

    There is still so much work to be done!



    ------------------------------
    Holly Dalferes
    Director
    George Cottage at St Martin's Episcopal School
    Metairie LA
    ------------------------------



  • 27.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-14-2021 11:51 AM
    This seems to be a hot topic that is fueling. everywhere all over. However, the unfairness is when someone has a Master’s Degree plus over 60 hours in early childhood and is asked to get a paraprofessional licensure to be is a discredit. In addition, a few employees earn more ($18-$20) an hour with no degree. How do you explain it? Why do I have to get a paraprofessional license I was told it’s required

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 28.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-04-2021 09:37 AM
    Hi, I also run a preschool that is a ministry of a church. I stay at least $2-$4 above minimum wage for starting assistants who have at least 1 year experience working in some aspect with children, and prefer those pursuing the field. New leads have to have a bachelors or at least pursuing one in education and if a new lead, $16. I feel I will price myself out if I continue raising tuition rates to keep up with better than average wages for a non-public center and believe the only way to increase funds in this area for our field is through a voucher program. This would afford those who do not qualify for state child care credits to pay such prices ($200 week m-f full days). Many hands, I'm afraid, are against this course. Tuition-based centers are in a dilemma for sure, especially as public schools are beginning to offer free preschool in my area. Meanwhile, I have good staff retention and hope to continue the course with the amazing staff I have.

    ------------------------------
    Lisa Moen
    Director
    Grosse Pointe Nursery School
    Grosse Pointe Woods MI
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-15-2021 02:35 PM
    Lisa, 

    I could have written it word for word for us here in Southern Indiana, except for the starting wages for staff, which frankly is less.  Why would anyone with a bachelor's or above want to work at a ministry.  So hard to find qualified help anyway, let alone someone who would be willing to take a job without benefits and the inability to payback student loans.  Luckily many of us have spouses with benefits.  I know I would have a more diverse, qualified staff if the program could jump that last big hurdle!  I am so thankful for the loyal staff I do have! 



    ------------------------------
    Gwyn Welliver
    Director
    Trinity Learning Center
    New Albany IN
    ------------------------------



  • 30.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 03-04-2021 07:41 PM
    In my opinion, it is unethical to run a business at all if you can't pay employees at least a living wage for your area. This includes entry-level teachers, aides, custodial staff, etc.

    ------------------------------
    Encian Pastel
    Children's Community Center, Gender Justice in Early Childhood, Bay Area Childcare Collective
    Richmond CA
    ------------------------------



  • 31.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 06-30-2021 10:04 AM
    Encian, you should probably walk back calling people unethical. They are doing amazing work and the best they can in a difficult situation. If they all shut down their businesses, what would our working families do? Or if they raised their tuition rates to be able to pay all their staff the calculated living wage, thus making their programs accessible to only the richest families in their communities, how ethical is that? We all care about our staff, families, and children and want to do right by all of them. Just my 2 cents.

    ------------------------------
    Amy Gottschamer
    Executive Director
    Googols of Learning Child Development Center
    Lawrence KS
    ------------------------------



  • 32.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 07-01-2021 09:17 AM
    Thank you Encian! I was hoping to find this opinion here!
    It IS unethical AND it is a hugely challenging task given the society we live in: capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy combine into a force that creates huge barriers for our work, our passions, and our livelihood. In order to make things right, we have to not only be teachers and administrators, we have to be activists and organizers.
    I know that my many layers of privilege allow me to do what I do (I am a white, cisgender, middle-class, able-for-now woman.) but here it is:
    I am hiring currently and that preschool teacher will make between $40 and 50K depending on experience. All of our teachers make at least $40K and we have a goal set to be up to $50k by 2023. We are private and fully tuition funded although we are applying to become a non-profit currently so we can fundraise and do even better. 
    How do we do it?
    We are a social justice driven school that prioritizes authentic diversity and inclusion and are transparent about that.
    We ask families with financial privilege to pay extra and they do.
    We prioritize teacher and family well-being above all else.
    Fifty percent of our families receive financial aid or pay with state vouchers.

    We are currently working to create a model that we can share with others so hit me up if you want to hear more about the way we operate!
    AND if you are Black or Brown and interested in social justice in early childhood, PLEASE contact me!

    ------------------------------
    Alya Stoffer-Koloszyc
    Director
    Farm Hands Preschool
    Northampton MA
    ------------------------------



  • 33.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 07-01-2021 09:32 AM
    Alya, I love your enthusiasm and agree.  It is partly why I chose to stay a single staffed fcc. I do not feel it is ethical for me to hire staff at minimum wage, though I could. Legality is not equal to morality. 

    I'm frustrated the amount of advocacy and effort organizations like yours have to go through to make living wages work.

    ------------------------------
    Alison Barnes
    Licensed Family Child Care Provider
    Garrison Family Care
    Chelmsford MA
    ------------------------------



  • 34.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 07-02-2021 10:05 AM
    Thank you, Alison. I agree wholeheartedly with what you wrote.

    ------------------------------
    Nora Krieger, PhD
    Associate Professor Emerita/Past Chair NJEEPRE
    Bloomfield College/NJ Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
    Highland Park, NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 35.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 07-01-2021 01:31 PM
    Hello Everyone,
    I totally agree with you Alya! You said it loud and clear. 
    Thank You !!!!!!

    ------------------------------
    Milagros Neu
    Pre-K -K Teacher
    Learning Pods
    Maplewood NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 36.  RE: Hourly pay rate

    Posted 07-03-2021 11:36 AM
    The Living Wage website that Deborah suggested is very helpful in understanding why minimum wage is not sufficient to sustain even a single person without government subsidy, much less someone raising children. A living wage will vary with location, of course.  https://livingwage.mit.edu 

    Thank you for reminding us that we want a long-term change, Alison. Short term employee scarcity must be brought to the attention of our elected officials and kept there. Yes, the question is if early childhood education and care businesses shut down, what would our working families do..and what would the companies they work for do…and what should our government do? I agree with Erin that "We all care about our staff, families, and children and want to do right by all of them." So it makes sense that we pay all people working in early education and care settings a living wage. We show we care by providing a wage high enough to make sure people can make their rent without going without food or medicine. Alya's model with families with financial privilege paying extra sounds great for programs where those families are enrolled.
    The resource Erin shared, The Early Childhood Workforce Index 2020 is very helpful, especially the charts in the Appendices that show what the hourly rates are when adjusted for the local cost of living: https://cscce.berkeley.edu/workforce-index-2020/appendices/appendix-2-early-childhood-educator-workforce-tables/ 
     
    I agree Holly that there is still so much work to be done! We need to create a national culture or system where our nation's future is protected by caring for those who care for our children. 


    ------------------------------
    Peggy Ashbrook
    Early childhood science teacher
    Alexandria, VA
    NSTA The Early Years columnist, Science and Children
    Early Years blogger, https://www.nsta.org/blog/all?keywords=Early+Childhood
    Author: Science Learning in the Early Years, and
    Science Is Simple
    ------------------------------