People express the concern that the labor force isn't available, but the real problem is wages and working conditions in early childhood education and care. Nationally, more than 4 of 5 employed people with college majors in early childhood education do not work with young children. In Oregon, and in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties, more than 6 of 7 work in other fields. We should be less worried about expanding the pipeline of people coming from educational and training programs in early childhood education, and more worried about keeping them in the field by creating better jobs.

^{*This study is ongoing or in progress. For the most recent results, contact the study contact listed below.}