Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental Assistance Programs: Access, Quality, and Workforce
Presently, 23 states have established pre-k salary parity policies with K-12 teachers to raise the salary of a pre-k teacher with a similar level of education and qualifications as their K-12 counterparts. 64 Again, Pennsylvania is not on that list. The table above lists the requirements for a lead teacher in a Pre-K Counts classroom and for lead teachers with a state-issued PK-4 teaching certificate. The lists are strikingly similar, yet the average salary for preschool teachers in the state is $33,120 compared to $68,170 for kindergarten
teachers. 65 At a time when the cost of living is rising, teachers will take positions that pay more, and early childhood teachers with certificates will move to school districts. And while that average is statewide, the salaries of pre-k teachers vary greatly county-to-county, with Cambria County on the lower end of the average wage at $27,250. 66 High teacher turnover in early childhood programs undermines quality and financially burdens
$100,000.00
Statewide annual salaries, 2022
$84,560
$82,890
$79,520
$80,000.00
$77,650
$73,810
$71,140
$69,700
$68,170
$60,000.00
$51,990
$49,760
$48,930
$47,300
$40,000.00
$36,510
$33,120
$26,230
$20,000.00
$0.00
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Middle School Teachers, Except Special & Career/Technical Education
High School Teachers, Except Special & Career/Technical Education
Entry Level
Mean
Experienced
August 2023
24
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