Worthy Wage Day

Each year, since the Worthy Wage Campaign, May 1st is recognized as Worthy Wage Day – a day to build community awareness and highlight the importance of quality care for children and its relationship to worthy wages for child care work. Worthy Wage Day is a day of action built on locally-based organizing and outreach that takes place throughout the year. Activities vary widely from community to community, based on each area’s needs and level of organization. Local events have included activities such as: rallies, conferences, lobbying efforts, public displays, job shadowing, media events, fundraisers for the local campaign, recognition and celebratory events and more. CCW/AFTEF promotes the day nationally, develops resources and action ideas, and shares information among network members nationwide.

The spirit of Worthy Wage Day is still alive. In some communities, local traditions for Worthy Wage Day have been established and we hope they will continue. On this day, teachers, providers, parents and advocates in communities around the country are intentional about speaking out, telling stories and using the media to help spread the message about the staffing crisis amongst the early care and education workforce. We encourage communities to organize and engage in activities to bring attention to early care and education workforce issue.