The early learning workforce standards bill, written and actively supported by SEIU 925, has returned this session. WFIS is educating legislators about the current state of early learning teachers’ well-being in private schools, as well as the substantial work already underway through legislatively sponsored workgroups focused on strengthening the early education profession.
The proposed Workforce Standards Board would duplicate work already completed by the state and interfere with long-standing, effective councils and workgroups that are better positioned to make meaningful recommendations to lawmakers. Existing state and federal standards already address wages, healthcare expectations, family and medical leave, and paid sick leave.
Forming this workgroup is not an efficient use of limited state funds. Requiring union participation without funding creates an unfunded mandate and raises concerns about an unnecessary expansion of state authority into private school governance.
A survey conducted last year found that most private schools with early learning programs already offer competitive salaries, healthcare options, retirement plans, and additional benefits. WFIS is proud of the commitment our schools make to supporting educators and will continue advocating for solutions that build on this existing work rather than replacing it.
