The proposed bill establishes the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Program within the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), aimed at addressing the wage disparities faced by early childhood educators in child development facilities. The program will provide grant payments to these facilities to increase the minimum compensation for educators based on their degree, years of experience, and position title. The bill emphasizes the critical role of the childcare workforce, which is predominantly composed of women of color and immigrants, in supporting both child development and working parents. It highlights the need for public investment to sustain childcare providers and ensure competitive wages for educators, thereby promoting economic stability for families and communities.

To implement the program, the DHS will establish the Early Childhood Educator Salary Scale, which will set minimum salary requirements for educators and ensure pay parity with public school educators. The bill also mandates the creation of a Child Development Facility Payment Formula to determine grant amounts based on the costs of implementing the salary scale and the economic needs of the communities served. In cases where funding is insufficient, the department may reduce grant payments or the number of participating facilities, prioritizing those that serve low-income families. The bill aims to create a sustainable childcare system that supports both providers and the workforce delivering essential early education services.