When the Model Work Standards were first crafted more than two decades ago, they were built on the premise that quality child care jobs are the cornerstone of high-quality services for children and families. The intent of these standards is to make it possible for those who choose teaching young children as a career to reasonably and responsibly support themselves and their families without having to hold second jobs, be dependent on another wage earner, or rely on other income supports. It is also the intent that early educators feel pride in their career choice, rather than the need to defend it to others or question it themselves. In short, these standards are about rights, raises, and respect for the early care and education workforce. The following standards cover nine topic areas. Taken as a whole, they describe a high-quality work environment for early educators in center-based child care programs. The nine areas include: (1) Wages; (2) Benefits; (3) Employment Policies and Practices; (4) Payment for Professional Responsibilities; (5) Professional Development; (6) Staffing and Teaching Supports; (7) Communication and Team Building; (8) Decision Making and Problem Solving; and (9) Health, Safety, and Physical Setting. [This report is co-released by the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment and the American Federation of Teachers Educational Foundation.]