The Raising Child Care Fund

?? Today marks #EqualPayDay 2025—a stark reminder of the persistent gender pay gap and its impact, especially on child care providers, most of whom are women, people of color, and immigrants. According to Center for Law and Social Policy, in 2024: ?? $11.54/hr – Average pay for female child care educators ?? $12.58/hr – Average pay for male child care educators Women make up 92% of the child care workforce but continue to face deep pay inequities in a system that undervalues their essential work. These disparities ripple across families and communities, making it even harder to provide quality early care and education. Yet, instead of investing in early learning and educators, policymakers are considering dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, threatening programs that support young children’s development and access to quality care. This would worsen inequities in pay, funding, and access—harming children, families, and the workforce behind the workforce. Earlier this month, ECFC’s The Raising Child Care Fund gathered parents, providers, and advocates for a discussion on how inequitable funding fuels pay gaps, and what it would take to ensure fair wages, stronger investments, and a just future for child care. ?? ICYMI, watch the town hall now! What would increased child care funding mean for your community? Share your thoughts below. #WomensHistoryMonth #PayEquity #ChildCare #CareCantWait

Child care educators—mostly women, people of color, and immigrants—are essential to our economy, yet they continue to be underpaid and undervalued. As we approach Equal Pay Day on March 25, we must spotlight the pay inequities that harm educators, families, and our workforce. Join us on Tuesday, March 18, at 6 PM ET for a Virtual Town Hall on the impact of inequitable funding for early childhood education. This conversation, streamed live on YouTube (@ecfunders7209), will feature parents, providers, and advocates sharing how inadequate investments in child care fuel pay disparities. Let’s ensure child care educators are valued, supported, and compensated fairly. #ChildCareNow #EqualPayDay #WomensHistoryMonth

Thank you Early Educator Investment Collaborative for recognizing LaDon Love SPACEs In Action our amazing DC grantee partner!

As a program officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Dr. Sakinah Harrison Ed.D. works to ensure that philanthropic investments are not just strategic but rooted in community-driven solutions, priorities, and lived experiences. She aligns her passion and extensive experience as an educator, nonprofit leader, and advocate for systemic change to advance opportunity. “We have the power to use our imaginations to challenge systems of oppression and to create a world in which everyone can thrive,” Sakinah says. “I encourage my peers to be bold and think expansively.” Join us in celebrating Sakinah as part of ECFC’s Black History Month tribute: "Black Changemakers in Early Childhood Philanthropy!" Read her full Q&A: https://lnkd.in/ea_T3jkt

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Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and his unwavering fight for justice, equity, and opportunity—values that continue to shape our work in early childhood philanthropy. At the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative, we recognize that true systemic change requires bold action and a commitment to dismantling barriers that prevent young children, families, and communities from thriving. Dr. King’s vision calls us to center racial and economic justice, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. ?? As we reflect on his legacy, we ask: How can philanthropy be a catalyst for the just and equitable future Dr. King envisioned? Let’s move beyond remembrance to action. Equity isn’t just a goal—it’s a responsibility. #MLKDay #EquityInAction #EarlyChildhood

Raise Your Voice for Child Care Funding: Join the BlueSky Chat As the nation marks the transition of the presidency from one administration to another, child care educators and organizers continue to champion the needs of children, families and child care providers. It is important that our children have the education and support they need to thrive. Join the Raising Child Care Fund grantee partners on Wednesday, January 15, at 6pm ET | 5pm CT | 4pm MT | 3pm PT for an online conversation on BlueSky to raise awareness about the urgent need for child care funding and to share what’s happening at the state level in this ongoing fight for equity. Follow the hashtag #ChildCareNow to join the conversation.

Thinking and reimagining child care with some of RCCF’s amazing partners. What a way to manifest positive energy on a cold day in DC! Krista Scott Helene Stebbins Syritha Robinson Monica Hobbs Vinluan

Help us find our next team member! Deadline to apply is fast approaching. Please repost!

Please share this posting, and help us find our newest member of the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative team! We need a Grants & Contracts Administrator who can help us with the honor of making grants to social justice organizations around the country.