Report: Low wages highlight NE child care 'crisis'

$12.31.

That’s the average hourly wage for day care workers in Nebraska, according to a new study that also finds “rampant” staff turnover during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The report by the Buffett Early Childhood Institute says the pandemic continues to compound Nebraska’s child care crisis.

That $12.31-an-hour less than a $14-an-hour starting pay at an Omaha Runza.

 The assistant director of Hamilton Heights Child Care Development Center in northwest Omaha tells us providers are seeing a “severe hiring drought.” Dodi Imler adding, “Those remaining in the field are overworked and underpaid. Teachers are leaving the field to relieve stress and make more money. They are seeking different jobs or careers but sacrificing their passion.”

At the same time the Institute labels the state’s 750 day care providers as “resilient” even as seven out of 10 operators say workers are leaving the early childhood field “entirely.”

According to the report, in order to turn things around several changes are sorely needed.

Along with increased wages and benefits, workers are also looking for increased access to health care coverage and paid sick leave.