In the first brief, we examine the critical issue of compensation. Early childhood educators play an essential role in child development and the economy, but are consistently among the lowest paid. In Texas, the typical early childhood educator earns $4.41 per hour below a living wage. The brief also raises issues of equity and advancement. Hispanic educators, educators at subsidy-accepting programs, and educators in rural areas earn the least. And experience does not bring meaningful wage increases—an early childhood educator with 25 years on the job would, on average, make only $2 more per hour than a new high school graduate joining the field. (author abstract)