AFT Extends Its Reach Into Early-Childhood Teaching Corps

The American Federation of Teachers has launched a new venture to bring early-childhood educators together in support of higher wages, better working conditions, and more professional-development opportunities.

First Class Teachers, as the campaign is called, will provide preschool and child-care teachers with online resources, including instructional help, message boards, and tips for getting in touch with members of Congress. They can also sign up for AFT membership benefits, such as educational loans or insurance. The Web site— www. firstclassteachers.org —will be frequently updated, AFT officials say.

The new campaign may also become a vehicle for drawing new members to the nation’s second-largest teachers’ union from among workers in...