Systems Change Lab - Mississippi State University

Helping our clients make transformational changes that address complex societal problems

Mississippi Child Care Wages Study

The Systems Change Lab conducted a study of Mississippi childcare teacher wages and benefits, working conditions, and current needs. The project was funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and conducted in partnership with the Graduate Center for the Study of Early Learning with assistance from the Forum for the Future Child Care Wages Working Group, which receives backbone support from the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance. 

Exploring a Market Failure: The 2023 Mississippi Child Care Teacher Wages Survey Full Report

Survey Findings Full Report (PDF)

Mississippi Child Care Wages Survey: Key findings 4 page brief.

Survey Key Findings Brief
Cover of report key findings
Cover sheet for Power Point. Picture of teacher with small child.

Mississippi Child Care Wages Survey: PowerPoint of survey findings

Survey Findings PowerPoint

Early Educator Compensation Research

Cover of brief: State Models for Increasing Early Educator Compensation brief, picture of teacher with three children

State Models for Increasing Early Educator Compensation: This brief, a follow-up to our September 2023 brief on this topic, contains examples of how some states are addressing the nation’s labor shortage by making policies directly connected to the early childhood education workforce crisis. – August 2024

CREATED FOR: the W. K. Kellogg Foundation

State Models for Increasing Early Educator Compensation (PDF)

This report describes leading strategies that are emerging throughout the country and describes how specific states are implementing these strategies. Understanding best practices employed by other states can guide Mississippi policymakers and early childhood education leaders in making informed decisions about actions addressing the crisis in our state. September 2023

CREATED FOR: the W. K. Kellogg Foundation

State Strategies for Increasing Child Care Wages (PDF)
Cover of research brief. Picture of teacher and child

Systems Change Lab Student Research

Cover of Investing in Early Childhood Education Pays Dividends

Investing in Early Childhood Education Pays Dividends: Endeavors: Mississippi State Undergraduate Research Journal Article – Student Brief

Download Article Here
Cover picture from the Improving Workforce Stability In early Childhood Education brief.

IMPROVING WORKFORCE STABILITY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: Stipends, Wage Supplements, and Professional Development: This brief synthesizes critical insights from an extensive literature review, focusing on programs and strategic initiatives designed to tackle the pressing issues facing child care workers, including low wages and high turnover. – Student Brief

CREATED FOR: for the W. K. Kellogg Foundation

Download the Brief Here
Systems Change Lab logo

The Systems Change Lab is a division of both the Office of Research and Economic Development and the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine at MSU and receives support from the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station.

scl@ssrc.msstate.edu     (662) 325-7961     1 Research Blvd., Suite 207, Mississippi State, MS 39762