The proposed bill, known as the "Rhode Island Early Educator Workforce Act," aims to address the challenges faced by early childhood educators in Rhode Island, particularly concerning their low wages and the need for better support and development opportunities. The bill recognizes the importance of quality interactions between caregivers and educators for young children's brain development and acknowledges that many early educators face financial difficulties.

To strengthen the early educator workforce, the bill directs the departments of human services and education to collaborate on several initiatives. These include allocating sufficient funds to continue the Rhode Island T.E.A.C.H. early childhood program, which supports the attainment of national Child Development Associate credentials and completion of college coursework and degrees in early childhood education and child or youth development. Additionally, the bill mandates the continuation and enhancement of registered apprenticeships for early educators, which provide opportunities for professional development through on-the-job coaching by master early educators.

Furthermore, the bill allocates at least $1,000,000 annually to continue the Child Care WAGE$ program, a national model designed to improve compensation, education, and retention of early educators by providing education-based salary supplements to low-paid center-based educators, directors, and family childcare providers working with children in licensed early childhood programs. The act will take effect upon passage.