September is Child Care Provider Appreciation Month in Hawaiʻi, an opportunity to recognize the dedicated professionals who care for and educate our youngest keiki every day.

During the first five years of life, children develop the language, social, emotional and cognitive skills that lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Child care providers help nurture that development through caring relationships, meaningful learning experiences and safe, supportive environments. Their work helps prepare children for school and supports their healthy development during some of the most important years of their lives.

Their impact also extends far beyond the classroom. Reliable child care makes it possible for parents and caregivers to work, supports local employers and contributes to the strength of Hawaiʻi’s communities and economy.

Yet the professionals doing this essential work continue to face significant challenges. Early educators in Hawaiʻi earn an estimated $16 to $19 per hour, compared with a living wage estimate of at least $31 per hour. Nearly 30% of child care center directors report challenges retaining staff, and half say qualified applicants have turned down job offers. Long hours, workload demands, limited planning time and other working conditions can make it even more difficult to keep experienced professionals in the field.

These workforce challenges have implications for families across the state. When programs cannot recruit and retain enough qualified professionals, their ability to serve children is limited. Strengthening Hawaiʻi’s early childhood workforce is therefore an important part of expanding access to quality child care and early learning.

That means looking beyond recruitment alone. Competitive compensation and benefits, professional development, career pathways, coaching and mentoring, and workplace supports can help build a larger, more stable and well-prepared workforce while recognizing the need to keep child care accessible and affordable for families.

As we celebrate Child Care Provider Appreciation Month, Commit to Keiki extends a heartfelt mahalo to Hawaiʻi’s child care providers for the important role they play in the lives of our youngest keiki and their families. Supporting the people who care for our keiki is an investment in Hawaiʻi’s children, families and future.