The Day Care Council of New York and the Council of School Supervisors & Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1, have finalized a contract agreement for administrators at publicly funded day care centers. The deal includes compounded raises totaling 33.62% over nearly eight years.
Ratified this month with 91% approval from members, the contract covers 150 directors and assistant directors from October 1, 2020, through March 2028. It features a ratification bonus, annual retention bonuses, and enhancements to the union’s welfare fund.
A notable achievement in the contract is pay differentials for administrators supervising extended-year programs that operate during summer months. “We are glad there is an acknowledgement from the city that our directors work longer,” said Gregory Brender, spokesperson for the Day Care Council.
For years, advocates like CSA have worked to address pay disparities faced by directors in community-based day care centers compared to their counterparts in public schools. In 2021, a lawsuit was filed alleging significant pay differences despite similar responsibilities. Publicly funded day care center directors earned $77,010 annually after two years on the job versus $138,135 for public school district directors.
The suit also highlighted racial and gender inequalities contributing to these disparities. “Our early childhood directors and assistant directors provide essential leadership for our youngest learners,” said CSA President Henry Rubio. “We are proud to have delivered a contract that honors their incredible contributions.”
Rubio expressed gratitude towards Mayor Eric Adams for recognizing equity in workforce investment: “We greatly appreciate the mayor’s recognition and critical investment in equity for our city’s workforce.”
Tara Gardner, executive director of the Day Care Council, acknowledged that while parity with public school directors’ salaries wasn’t achieved with this agreement, it represents progress: “It’s a step along the path to parity.”
City Hall announced the pact on Monday with assistance from the Office of Labor Relations in negotiations. Mayor Adams emphasized his administration’s commitment to expanding access to early childhood education: “With this agreement… we are helping achieve our vision of making New York City the best place to raise a family.”
This story was first published in The Chief-Leader.
