When I relocated from Ohio to New Haven, Connecticut, I was determined to continue my journey in early childhood education. However, I also needed a position that would allow me to support my children.

Regrettably, opportunities like that are few in this sector.

It’s apparent that our economy depends on early education, yet there’s a significant gap between what parents can afford to pay and what educators like me need to make a living.

The childcare system often relies on the low salaries earned by early childhood educators, which makes it challenging for teachers to secure safe and affordable housing. This illustrates why initiatives like the Friends Center for Children’s free Teacher Housing Initiative are essential.

Supporting teachers in achieving financial stability

I’ve participated in this initiative for nearly four years, and its impact on my life has been profound.

This program is not solely about living in secure housing rent-free—though that has made a tremendous difference. It focuses on assisting teachers in creating a solid foundation for lasting financial stability.

As part of this initiative, I’ve been assigned a financial coach who assists me in setting and achieving savings objectives with the money I would have otherwise spent on rent. We cover budgeting, credit, banking, and any other financial topics I may want to discuss.

This assistance has alleviated my stress, enhanced my family’s quality of life, and provided me with the stability and time needed to concentrate on my personal and professional development.

Teachers are dedicated to their work

We need substantial, ongoing investment to stabilize the early care and education field and to show educators that their contributions are valued.

By providing rent-free housing as part of our salary arrangements—with a combination of real estate purchased and donated to the Friends Center, along with properties developed in collaboration with the Yale School of Architecture’s Jim Vlock First Year Building Project—teachers at the Friends Center can live more securely while doing what they love.

However, offering rent-free housing is not the only method to support early education.

Public programs could invest in acquiring or building daycare centers and home-based facilities that could be leased to providers at no cost or with substantial tax benefits for homeowners.

Government entities at all levels could also provide incentives for businesses to develop childcare facilities, which would help alleviate construction costs.

If public and private initiatives unify to tackle the shortage in early care and education, we can ease the financial strain of rent and mortgage expenses on providers.

This would allow educators and the wider community to reinvest in what is most crucial: compensating teachers with a livable wage.

Ultimately, the goal is not solely to make early education affordable for families; it is equally about ensuring it is sustainable for educators.