Data from the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE) shows early educators need better pay and benefits—and actions from state leaders can make a difference during this year’s budget development. In all 50 states, early educators’ wages are not enough to support a single adult—and approximately one half of California’s ECE workers have at least one child of their own, putting living wages even further out of reach. In fact, the state made history in 2023 by collaborating with Child Care Providers United to establish a fund for retirement benefits and reimbursement for educators’ health care.