NWLC Releases Brief on the Vital Role of Latina Educators in Early Childhood Education
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, released a new issue brief that highlights the unique contributions of Latinas in early childhood education and the specific needs of Latinx families seeking quality child care options.
The report, “Connection & Community: Elevating the Impact of Latina Early Educators,” notes that 91% of Latinx parents look for child care that reflects their cultural backgrounds, emphasizing the critical role Latina educators play in creating inclusive learning environments.
Latinas make up one of the fastest-growing populations in the U.S. Despite making up 23% of the child care workforce and 16% of home-based child care, Latina educators often face significant barriers, including low wages and limited access to professional development. As NWLC data reveals, child care workers’ wage growth lags behind other low-paid occupations, with the median hourly wage for child care workers just $14.60 in 2023. Latina child care workers are paid even less, earning a median hourly wage of just $10.85, the lowest paid demographic in a field that is characterized by poverty wages overall.
“It’s time to recognize, honor, and compensate Latina early educators for the critical role they play in early childhood education. Their presence and leadership enhance children’s development, provide specific and necessary supports for families, and serve as a critical pillar across all care settings,” said Karla Coleman-Castillo, senior policy analyst at the National Women’s Law Center.
To view the full brief, click here, or check out the one-pager link.
If you’re interested in interviewing the author of the brief or Latina child care providers, please reach out to Diana Casillas at [email protected].
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