I am an assistant director of a childcare center, and I have been an educator for 6 years. Throughout my career, I have witnessed passionate educators forced to abandon their calling due to inadequate hourly pay. Many teachers are sinking into debt just trying to fulfill their passion for teaching. This is not only my story but the narrative of countless others who earn less than me but face similar financial obligations. It’s sad that in today’s society an athlete is valued more and paid off more than an educator. An educator who has to work so many hours, have so many credentials, and more just to been seen as valued. But then companies like KinderCare have all these high expectations… My question is what’s the incentive. What makes these companies worth working at. Our teachers are tired. Tired of working extra hours to fulfill the staff shortage. Tired of feeling like they are not valued by the corporation they work under. It’s to make them see us. Make them value the work we do.

The situation at KinderCare Learning Companies is no different, where the pay scale does not reflect the experience, education or dedication of its employees. It's time for this narrative to change.

According to data from Payscale.com, early childhood educators in the United States earn an average wage of $12.24 per hour - a figure that does not adequately compensate for their expertise or the vital role they play in shaping our future generations (Payscale.com). The lack of differentiation in hourly pay based on experience further exacerbates this issue.

We are calling upon KinderCare Learning Companies - one of America's largest private providers in early childhood education - to take a stand against this industry-wide issue by increasing employee pay and introducing a differentiated wage system based on experience.

By doing so, KinderCare can set a precedent within the industry and contribute significantly towards addressing this systemic issue that affects so many dedicated professionals across our country.

Please sign this petition if you believe that every educator deserves fair compensation reflective of their experience and dedication. Let us urge KinderCare Learning Companies to lead by example!