Government policy often favors increased funding of early childhood education programs and that trend should continue. Some States also are increasing subsidization of the child-care services industry in response to welfare reform legislation. This reform may cause some mothers to enter the work force during the projection period as their welfare benefits are reduced or eliminated. Top Pay depends on the educational attainment of the worker and establishment type. Although the pay is generally very low, more education means higher earnings in some cases.
Benefits vary, but are minimal for most preschool and child-care workers.
Many employers offer free or discounted child care to employees. Some offer a full benefits package, including health insurance and paid vacations, but others offer no benefits at all. Some employers offer seminars and workshops to help workers improve upon or learn new skills. A few are willing to cover the cost of courses taken at community colleges or technical schools. Others who work with children and need these aptitudes include teacher assistants , children's tutors, kindergarten and elementary school teachers , early childhood program directors, and child psychologists.