FCC educators are the backbone of our child care system, offering personalized, flexible, and culturally responsive care to children and families nationwide. Yet, despite their essential contributions, they face systemic barriers that jeopardize their ability to sustain and grow their programs. These challenges are not new, but the urgency to address them has only increased as more educators leave the field due to unsustainable conditions.
In a recent discussion with FCC educators from Wisconsin, Washington State, Maryland, Virginia, Michigan, and Delaware, several recurring themes emerged: low wages, licensing delays and obstacles, inequitable payment systems, lack of access to health and retirement benefits, and the ongoing impact of pandemic-related closures. These challenges reflect deeper systemic inequities that demand targeted, immediate action.
That’s why NAFCC’s policy priorities, particularly the call for Increased Compensation and Benefits for FCC Educators, are so critical. By centering their voices in our advocacy, we can identify and advance the solutions needed to ensure equity, sustainability, and growth for this vital field.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
1. Investment in FCC Educators
Compensation is one of the most pressing issues for FCC educators. Many shared that they struggle to make ends meet, even as they dedicate themselves to nurturing children and supporting families. They emphasized the need for a livable wage—not just to sustain themselves, but to make the field more attractive to new educators.
To address this, wage subsidies and student loan forgiveness programs are essential. These initiatives and sustainable funding models can provide financial stability and encourage more individuals to pursue careers in FCC. Ensuring fair pay is more than economics—it’s about valuing the essential contributions of family child care educators.
2. Licensing and Registration Barriers
The licensing process remains a significant hurdle. Educators shared stories of waiting months or even years for approval, often navigating costly and in some cases impossible requirements, such as homeownership or extensive structural changes. These delays and obstacles deter new entrants and discourage current educators from continuing.
For example, an educator in Wisconsin described waiting over nine months for approval due to complex licensing requirements. Similarly, a Maryland provider faced nearly a year of delays as she worked to meet stringent, outdated regulations and varying licensing standards by state.The discussion highlighted disparities in licensing requirements for family child care. Tiffany Jones, a family child care educator from Maryland, explained, “In Maryland, we can have a registered home or a licensed family child care home, but it must be in a residential space, not a commercial property, and we are limited to one location.”
In contrast, Stephanie Jackson from Delaware shared that her large family child care operates out of a commercial space and spans two locations, illustrating significant differences in state regulations.
Reforming state licensing systems to streamline processes and remove unnecessary barriers is crucial. Simplified, equitable licensing practices will make it easier for educators to open and maintain programs and expand access to child care for families in underserved communities.
3. Payment Disparities
Subsidy payment systems are another source of frustration. Educators reported inconsistent rates and delayed reimbursements that create financial uncertainty. Many pointed to inequities between FCC programs and center-based care, further marginalizing their work.
FCC educators in Michigan highlighted the unpredictability of reimbursement timelines, with some waiting months for payments while continuing to cover program expenses out of pocket.
Addressing these disparities requires comprehensive reform. Payment systems must be simplified, reimbursements expedited, and pay parity established across child care settings. Ensuring fair compensation for FCC educators is essential to leveling the playing field and securing their financial stability.
4. Post-Pandemic Closures
The pandemic brought the fragility of the child care system into sharp focus. Many FCC programs closed when emergency aid ended, leaving families without care and educators without income. Increased administrative requirements only compounded these challenges, pushing many to exit the field altogether.
To prevent further closures, policies must provide consistent, long-term financial support. Reducing administrative burdens and ensuring stability for FCC educators will strengthen the field and create a more resilient child care system for families.
5. Health Insurance and Retirement
Access to benefits like health insurance and retirement plans remains a persistent gap for FCC educators. In some states, such as Washington, health insurance is available only to those serving a specific number of children receiving subsidies—and the coverage often excludes the educator’s family.
FCC educators in Maryland and Wisconsin shared concerns about the lack of affordable health insurance options, with some noting that they’ve gone without coverage due to cost or only have coverage because of a spouse’s employment.
In sharing her experience with health insurance coverage, Corrine Hendrickson shared, “We went without insurance after my husband lost his job during the 2008 recession (our kids were 2 and 6 months). The 1 year cobra covered 90% as the Affordable Care Act was being created after the recession.
We were covered by our state’s medicaid for a short time after as he was only working part time in an attempt to get to full time, then our state refused the expansion (still has) so our children still had access but we went without for about 1.5 years until he was hired full time.”
Expanding access to comprehensive benefits is essential. FCC educators deserve the same health and retirement security opportunities as professionals in other sectors. This is not just a matter of fairness; it is critical for retention and long-term sustainability in the field.
The Path Forward: Elevating Family Child Care Through Advocacy and Leadership
The challenges facing family child care (FCC) educators are significant, but they are not insurmountable. By addressing these issues head-on and aligning policy solutions with the needs of the field, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for child care. Family child care educators have proven time and again that they are not just part of the solution—they are leading it.
In August, FCC educators demonstrated exceptional leadership through NAFCC’s “August Advocacy in Action” campaign. This initiative showcased the urgent need for increased and sustained funding for family child care, with educators at the forefront advocating for meaningful change. Their voices were pivotal in amplifying the critical role of FCC programs and advancing policy priorities.
Highlights of Leadership and Engagement
- Educator Advocacy:
Family child care educators in states such as West Virginia, Ohio, Connecticut, California, Mississippi, New York, Michigan, Maryland, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania stepped into leadership roles. They hosted program visits, engaged in direct discussions with lawmakers, and championed the unique needs of FCC programs. - Policy Influence:
Through a combination of virtual meetings and in-person events, educators shared their powerful stories with senators, staffers, and state representatives. They underscored the essential role of family child care in the broader child care system and advocated for sustained financial support to ensure its survival and growth. - Community Mobilization:
FCC educators organized grassroots activities and joined national movements, such as the Care Can’t Wait bus tour, to unite communities in calling for equitable funding and supportive policies. Their efforts brought urgency and visibility to the challenges facing FCC educators and families alike.
NAFCC’s advocacy, including the priority of Increased Compensation and Benefits for FCC Educators, is paving the way for change. Solutions such as wage subsidies, licensing reform, incentives for new educators, and access to benefits are foundational to building a system that values FCC programs as essential to communities and families.
This is about more than improving conditions for educators; it’s about securing the future of child care for children and families nationwide. Together, we can create a system where FCC educators are supported, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Thank you to the following FCC educators for offering their time and experiences to develop the insights above:
- Cheryl Morman (Virginia)
- Stephanie Jackson (Delaware)
- Tiffany Jones (Maryland)
- Kenia Reinoso (Maryland)
- Mary Curry (Washington State)
- Corrine Hendrickson (Wisconsin)
- Kim Spiegel (Michigan)
Your contributions are invaluable to advancing our understanding and advocacy for family child care educators nationwide.
