Lawmakers Struggle to Make Young Children a Priority During Tough Economic Times
Melissa Riegel-Garrett, Executive Director, VAEYC
On Friday, March 14, over 180 early childhood advocates traveled to the state capitol to bring home the message to legislators that Vermont’s current and future prosperity is dependent upon the healthy development of its youngest citizens. Early Childhood Dayat the legislature offeredparticipants an opportunity to speak with lawmakers, talk about policy issues, discuss funding concerns, and learn more about public policy approaches to the complex challenges facing young children and their families in Vermont.
Speaker of the House Gaye Symington opened the day with remarks to advocates. “Your appearance here matters. To make a difference in this state we need to be individuals talking to individuals.” Rep. Symington also noted how access to reliable, affordable childcare is one of the top issues facing Vermonters from a variety of sectors. “When I hear the same issues are facing Vermont business and families I know we need to be listening.”
During interactions between participants and legislators, many advocates stressed that the early years of life are particularly important because early experiences affect the brain architecture of a child. As it emerges, the quality of that architecture establishes either a sturdy or fragile foundation for subsequent development and behavior that follows. “Certainly, getting that right the first time around is easier and less costly than trying to fix it later,” stated Julie Mulroy-Evans, Director of the Building Bright Futures Council in the Newport area.
Special guest Mary Ignatius from Parent Voices California shared lessons from her work during her keynote address. Parent Voices is a parent-led, parent-run grassroots organization working to make quality child care accessible and affordable to children from all families. “Families…cannot go to work if they don’t have childcare…No parent should have to struggle with being a good parent and a good worker.” Ignatius’ comments tied in directly with the message from Symington earlier that morning: Vermont’s economy depends on its workforce having access to quality, affordable childcare. “As we face the budget challenges this year, we have to decide the priorities for our future and how critical it is that the next generation of Vermonters are given the chance to be successful,” remarked Governor Douglas as he addressed advocates and legislators during a surprise lunchtime appearance. “Early education is critical in getting kids off on the right foot so they can get the skills they need for the future.”
Vermont’s early childhood advocates took this message with them to lunch with their legislators.
Many participants spoke with their legislators about finding a way to close the gap in the funding of Vermont’s Child Care Subsidy Program. Despite being a crucial piece of Vermont’s early childhood system however, the Child Care Subsidy Program is not receiving adequate investment from the state to ensure children have access to quality early learning experiences when their parents are working. “Reliable, quality childcare not only makes it possible for me to work, it also means I can focus my attention on my job instead of worrying about my childcare arrangements,” said Washington County Parent, Kelly Ault. Mulroy-Evans chimed in, “We know what works, and we already have the system in place. Now we have to roll up our sleeves and make Vermont a leader in recognizing early childhood development services are vital to Vermont’s prosperity, both present and in the future.”
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