Early Educator Wage Increase Model

First 5 Sonoma County’s mission is to maximize the healthy development of every child in Sonoma County, from the prenatal stage through age five. Early educators who help our children learn and grow play an integral part in their formative years. However, our experienced and culturally diverse childhood workforce is facing low compensation and many of our educators rely on public benefits to meet their basic needs.
As part of Measure I investments, First 5 Sonoma County is launching a program to explore ways to increase pay for educators working in traditional child care and early education programs, including family child care homes and child care centers. This program is focused on educators providing early care and education before children enter kindergarten, and does not include TK or before- and after-school programs. Sonoma County is currently one of the only counties in the country dedicating resources to increase compensation for early educators. We have partnered with the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment and Clarity Social Research Group to study examples from other communities and review input from educators through listening sessions but now we want to hear from you.
Sonoma County early educators are invited to give feedback to inform the county’s model from October 1-30, 2026. Read the explainer by clicking here in English or Spanish and take the brief survey to provide input.
Give Feedback

Learn More Before You Share Feedback

Learn more about eligibility and payment level considerations before taking the survey by reading the explainer documents in English or in Spanish or by Signing up for an informational webinar.

On October 6th, CSCCE will be hosting a webinar at 6 pm to share more information about the early educator pay program options and answer any questions. Sign up for the informational webinar using this link then complete the feedback survey to share your thoughts.

Who

We encourage early educators in family child care homes and child care centers working with children 0-5 to take the survey.

Why

The early childhood workforce is facing low compensation and many of our educators rely on public benefits to meet their basic needs. Give feedback to help identify eligibility and how to calculate the payments for this model. Your input will help design a model with early educator voices and opinions.

When

The public feedback period will run from
October 1–30, 2026. The design process continues through winter 2026, with work toward a 2027 launch.

Timeline: Where We Are in the Design Process

  • 2024Measure I passed!
  • 2025Selected design partners and started planning
  • Spring 2026Studied other early educator pay programs around the country
  • Summer 2026Held educator listening sessions; sent a round of one-time payments to educators
  • Fall 2026Sharing draft design to gather feedback (We are here)
  • Winter 2026Finalize the design and begin work for a 2027 launch

Questions?

For questions about the options or survey help, email cscce@berkeley.edu. Please use the word “Sonoma” in your email so we can assist you!

First 5 Sonoma County