Chicago to budget $7M to boost pay for early childhood professionals

CHICAGO — Early childhood professionals will see a pay hike thanks to a multi-million dollar investment.

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Tuesday that the city will budget an additional $7 million to support childcare centers and their workers. 

This comes at a time where many people are leaving the field because of low wages. 

“We are putting a down payment, an investment of $7 million into our city’s budget. A $7 miilion for the first time to go towards the down payment and true compensation increase for early care and education professionals,” Mayor Brandon said.

Dozens of childcare workers with SEIU, a healthcare union, joined the mayor as he made the announcement at the North Lawndale YMCA. 

The union says this funding comes after years of advocacy to ensure every family has access to affordable childcare. It also ensures that childcare workers across Chicago are paid enough to stay in the field.

According to the union, many families are being turned away from childcare centers because of a lack of qualified educators.

The shortage has left over 78,000 children in Chicago without access to licensed professionals. 

The wage increases will begin on July 1. 

Mayor Johnson says over 3,000 childcare workers will benefit from the funding.