When I moved from Ohio to New Haven, Connecticut, I knew I wanted to continue my career in early care and education. I also knew I needed a job that would make it possible to support my children.

Unfortunately, in my field, those sorts of jobs are few and far between.

It’s obvious that our economy relies on early care and education, but there’s a massive gap between what parents can afford and what teachers like me need to earn to survive.

The child care system is subsidized by the low wages paid to early childhood educators. This reality often leaves teachers struggling to find safe and affordable housing, so initiatives like the Friends Center for Children’s free Teacher Housing Initiative are vital.

I’ve been a part of the initiative for nearly four years, and I can’t overstate how much it has........

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