1http://ierc.siue.edu

Initial Results of the Illinois Survey of

Early Childhood Certificants

Brenda Klostermann and Brad White

Early Learning Council Workforce Development Committee

Chicago, Illinois. September 12, 2005

Illinois Education Research Council

2

The purpose of the survey is to examine the size of

the early childhood teachers’ reserve pool

in Illinois.

Funded by a grant from the National Institute for Early Education Research

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Defining the Potential Reserve Pool

• We used the ISBE Teacher Certification Information System (TCIS) and Teacher Service Record (TSR) through 2002-2003.

• We selected those who held an Illinois Early Childhood Certificate between 1989 – 2003

• And who were not working in Illinois public schools in the 2002–2003 academic year.

N=5,402

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Methodology• We surveyed a random sample of 4,000

individuals from the potential reserve pool between January and May, 2005.

• We located 3,656 individuals (91%).

• 1,664 usable surveys were returned for a 46% response rate.– 48% completed via web– 52% completed via paper

• Unbiased response patterns allow us to generalize to the potential reserve pool.

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Most of the potential Reserve Pool have had education experience since certification.

N=5,402

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Now some information about the Reserve Pool

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Defining the Reserve Pool

• Are in the potential reserve pool (N=5,402)

Minus those who are currently working in an Illinois early childhood center (N=558).

Minus those who are retired or disabled (N=743).

• And indicated a willingness to consider working in an Illinois early childhood center.

N=3,402

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Over half (58%) of the Reserve Pool currently work in Education other than an early childhood center.

N=3,402

Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding.

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Current distribution of the Reserve Pool

N=3,402

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60% of the Reserve Pool are 40 years of age or younger.

33 years and younger 31%

34 to 40 years old 29%

41 to 54 years old 28%

55 years and older 12%

Age unknown <1%

Total 100%

Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding.

N=3,402

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The Reserve Pool is predominantly white.

White 90%

Black 4%

Latino/Hispanic 2%

Asian/Pacific Islander 1%

American Indian < 1%

Prefer not to answer 3%

100%Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding.

N=3,402

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Conditions that could influence the Reserve Pool’s decisions to work in an Illinois early

childhood center.

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Many conditions would positively influence the Reserve Pool’s decisions to work in an Illinois early childhood center.

N=3,402

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Higher salaries trump all other influences when the Reserve Pool chooses the top three conditions.

N=3,402

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Almost half (45%) of the Reserve Pool would require less than $40,000.

Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding.

N=3,402

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Most of the Reserve Pool would stay employed in an Illinois early childhood center for an

extended period.

Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding.

N=3,402

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Summary of Findings to Date• We estimate that there are about 3,400 early-

childhood-certified individuals who would be willing to work in an Illinois early childhood center under certain conditions.

• We identified many conditions that would influence their decisions, but salary outpaces everything else.

• The good news is that…45% would work for $40,000 or less.

48% expect to stay 4-10 years.

34% expect to stay more than 10 years.

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Next Steps

• We are continuing with the analysis of the survey data.

• Our full report will be available in March 2006.

• Contact us toll free at:866-799-IERC (4372)

• Website: http://ierc.siue.edu