Words like “ compensation ,” “ parity ,” and “ living wage ” are used in this report to describe salaries and benefits in early care and education . 35 Clarification on these terms , and other key terms used in this report , are below :
Compensation : “ A term used to encompass the entire range of wages and benefits , both current and deferred , that employees receive in return for their work ,” as defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics .
Compensation parity : The state or condition of being equal , especially regarding status or pay . For child care and early learning , it typically refers to comparability between early educator pay and K-3 teacher pay .
Compensation strategy / initiatives : Initiatives that increase workers ’ base annual salaries or hourly wages and / or provide benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans .
Wage supplements : Funds that employees receive in addition to their regular wages .
Financial relief initiatives : Initiatives that provide additional income or financial relief outside a worker ’ s wages and benefits , based on eligibility , such as stipends or tax credits .
Stipend : A stipend refers to a supplemental or non-wage cash award that an educator may receive more than once ( such as every six months or every year ), often intended to support retention .
Bonus : A bonus refers to a cash award provided as a one-off recognition of a particular educational achievement ( such as completion of a degree or credential ).
Early childhood education , also referred to as early care and education : Typically refers to care and education for children from birth through age five .
Family child care ( FCC ): A form of early childhood education in which a caregiver looks after children in their own home .
School-age child care : Typically refers to care provided during the before- and after-school hours for children ages 5-12 . Programs may also offer care during school holidays and summer breaks . Some family child care providers and child care centers offer school-age care in addition to early care and education , while other programs offer school-age care only .
2022 COST OF QUALITY CHILD CARE LEGISLATIVE REPORT 29