"This is the time for early education"
Patricia Cole, the ZERO TO THREE's Senior Director of Policy talked with the radio hosts about the Think Babies campaign and Strolling Thunder, which I talked about in a recent blog. The conversation also focused on the FY18 Omnibus spending bill (a "combined package" of appropriation bills- learn something new everyday!) and it's affect on child care in our country. ZERO TO THREE offered a infographic (if you haven't noticed...these are a favorite of mine) that highlighted "8 Big Wins for Babies"
"Over the last 10 year states have lost the capacity to serve 375000 kids.
"Every politician on the Capital Hill is going to say they love babies, but that love needs to be demonstrated in the way they are passing legislation... "
"The more we learn about it [child care]- the more people understand that access to quality child care [and] early education is important and with the budget that we had it was just really difficult...do you want more kids or do you want to increase quality and it's something that shouldn't be compromised because we need to figure out how to do both."
After browsing the site a little more, looking for information and resources in this week's issue- Availability, Accessibility, and Affordability in the EC Field, I found a Resource list provided by the Think Babies campaign. It includes links to websites, toolkits, articles, briefs, fact sheets, and projects that aid advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders learn more about this issue.
You can explore it more in depth yourself by clicking here: Think Babies High-Quality and Affordable Child Care Resource List
The omnibus bill was something I've never heard of before and it's wonderful to know that our country is finally starting to understand the importance of investing in the early care and development of our future leaders! This is the time for ECE- we just have to keep advocating and pushing for change!
Amy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your insights this week. I always enjoy reading your post because I love seeing the graphics and quotes you post. I think it is also amazing that our children are finally beginning to be at the forefront of our priorities and that we are utilizing research and science to aide in the expansion. I love the you included the quote about politicians loving babies, but that love isn't enough. We need to hold our politicians and policy makers to higher standards and encourage them to acknowledge the vital role they now play in ensuring a quality future for our children.
Thanks for sharing,
Allison Giles
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the information you gained from exploring ZERO TO THREE. I love the quote you posted, "Every politician on the Capital Hill is going to say they love babies, but that love needs to be demonstrated in the way they are passing legislation... " This quote is so true. Actions need to be put behind the words politicians speak. The Think Babies campaign is a great way to get policymakers to realize that early learning opportunities can't begin too soon and the importance of infants and toddlers' needs to accessible and affordable quality child care.
Amy-
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed your post. It was inspiring to read and learn about the zero to three. Its important to continue to advocate for education in all ways possible and the quote you posted shows that its time for politician to open their eyes and understand the importance of children's education and growth.