For more information, contact:
Kristina Gawrgy
202-350-8857
kgawrgy@naeyc.org
For Immediate Release:
May 1, 2007
NAEYC Celebrates May 1 as National Worthy Wage Day
(WASHINGTON, DC) - The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is proud to celebrate today, May 1, 2007, as National Worthy Wage Day. Early childhood professionals and families nationwide have chosen today to highlight the need for increased pay, better conditions of work, and greater respect for our young children’s educators and caregivers.
“Educating and caring for our youngest children is demanding work,” said Mark Ginsberg, Ph.D., Executive Director of NAEYC. “The education and nurturing that children receive today will lay the groundwork for their success in school and beyond. The work of early learning professionals demands respect and fair compensation.”
2007’s Worthy Wage theme is "Hanging by a Thread," and aims to remind public officials, educators and families that early childhood professionals are important to our society, our economy and our future.
At least 2.3 million people across the country are working to teach and care for our young children. Despite the value of their work, the average salary of a child care staff member is less than $20,000 annually most often with no benefits.
The U.S. Congress is also working to bring attention to compensation issues in early childhood education. The association applauds the bi-partisan resolutions in support of naming May 1 National Child Care Worthy Wage Day that been introduced in both the House and the Senate.
Founded in 1926, the National Association for the Education of Young Children has nearly 90,000 members worldwide. The association is the largest and most influential advocate for early care and education in the
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Founded in 1926, the National Association for the Education of Young Children is the largest and most influential advocate for high-quality early care and education in the United States.
