University Settlement Society of New York’s Post

In recent years, California has made significant investments to increase access to high-quality #EarlyLearning and Care opportunities for our state’s youngest learners. Groundbreaking initiatives—such as the creation of Child Care Providers United, a new labor union and collective bargaining contracts for Family Child Care (FCC) and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers, increased investments in subsidized child care spaces and preschool programs, and the expansion of Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK)—have demonstrated California’s commitment to building a robust mixed-delivery Early Learning and Care system that supports the state’s diverse children, families, and Early Learning and Care workforce. In our new blog, learn more about California's mixed-delivery system and the opportunities that our state has to build upon current momentum in order to ensure the system is well-funded and equipped to serve more young children, especially #infants and #toddlers. Learn more: https://ow.ly/4pzj50R3oeW #childcare #FFNcare #UTK

We know how important Early Childhood Education and Care can be in supporting good outcomes for children with experience of disadvantage and there are many excellent providers out there doing just that on a daily basis. It's therefore worrying to read the latest analysis is suggesting less children who are eligible for two year old funded places are accessing them. https://lnkd.in/egsWK9WY

Across the country and here in Connecticut, the early education industry is facing significant challenges due to insufficient funding. This lack of resources leads to understaffed centers and low wages for professionals, causing qualified teachers to leave. Without a qualified workforce, children are at risk of lacking the educational foundation necessary for success, and working families experience disruptions. Despite various childcare stabilization bills presented to the Connecticut legislature, more action is needed. It's crucial to urge state representatives to prioritize a stable early education sector for the future of both children and the state. Today, April 10, is a "Morning Without Childcare" in Connecticut, where early education sites close to participate in rallies pushing for transformational change. Rather than leave families without childcare this morning, Family Centers has chosen to remain open and mark this occasion in other ways. We hope you will join us in spreading the word on social media and reaching out to local elected officials to urge them to advocate for the passing of bills that expand funds to childcare. Let's create a future where every child has the care and early education they deserve. #MorningWithoutChildcare

Today, UK Education secretary, Bridget Phillipson says she "will work hand in hand with our brilliant early years professionals to roll out childcare entitlements and build a system that works for them, for our children and for parents." While it is widely known that the early childhood profession in the UK is beset by problems at multiple levels, it is heartening to hear though that in looking to the future, the Education Secretary seeks to build a system that works for the educators, children and parents. A competent system must work for all stakeholders. Although children and parents are the primary constituents, if the system does not work for the qualified professional educators and managers, it creates an imbalance and dissension. In Ireland, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has made significant progress in reforming the Early Childhood profession, in recent years. Yet, it is increasingly evident that the current model is not working for our professionals. In turn, high staff turn over, and setting closures mean the system is also failing children and parents. https://lnkd.in/eeSjex9r

One of CCA's education legislative priorities is to address the needs of the increased number of children who will be in the preschool system following the change in the law moving the Kindergarten age cutoff date to September 1st. The new law requiring kids to be 5 by September 1 for kindergarten is going to leave families without access to early childhood education, worsening our state's early childhood crisis. Around 9,000 families are affected, and about half (4,500) of these are low-income. With the average cost of childcare at nearly $13,000 per year, Connecticut families are struggling to decide between making ends meet, securing their children's early education opportunities, or being part of the workforce. Parents and educators need the time and funding to support kids through this change.

If you have local child care centers that are facing similar staffing challenges, Business of Child Care is here to help. We work closely with programs on these issues and can assist in getting your centers back on track. Call us today for more information and support @ 844-444-5602. A recent article from The 74 highlights a critical staffing crisis in North Carolina's child care sector, with about 29% of programs expected to close due to the end of pandemic-era funding. This funding cliff threatens the quality and availability of early childhood education. Providers are facing difficulties such as competing with public schools for teachers, increased operational costs, and insufficient subsidies that do not cover the actual costs of services, particularly in rural areas. #ChildCare #StaffingCrisis https://lnkd.in/d-_8Kp8V

Here are over 250 postcards completed by parents, educators, and advocates at three community events. All of them expressed support for increased funding for pre-k & childcare, particularly in teacher recruitment and retention initiatives! Many were shocked to learn child care earnings FAILED to meet cost of living in ALL 67 PA counties! A parent said “We need to pay our teachers better so we can get more teachers and open more classrooms for children.” Another parent said “What? The average hourly wage for early educators is only $15.15?! That’s so low! Everywhere is paying more than that now.” Early education & childcare is one of the few issues that has united Republicans & Democrats in Pennsylvania. At a time of political polarization, when asked specifically about prioritizing additional state funding for child care teachers, 70% believe the state should allocate additional funding specifically to increase the wages of child care workers, so more families don’t lose access. Interested in joining the crew to speak up for early education & childcare? You can start by emailing your elected officials today using this link https://lnkd.in/enqB6DRF #FixChildcare #FundChildCare #ECE #WorkforceBehindWorkforce #PublicPolicy #IfNotNowWhen Pennsylvania House of Representatives Republican Party of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State Senate Pennsylvania Democratic Party Office of Governor Josh Shapiro

Do The Math: Most of the 7,000 early learning teachers do not earn a living wage, many surviving on public benefit programs. Most providers are small, privately-owned businesses with tight financial margins, lacking funding to increase teacher compensation. While recent minimum wage changes in Florida may offer modest increases for childcare workers, they fall short of sustaining a robust early learning teacher workforce. Compounding the financial strain of poverty-level wages is a lack of community recognition and support for careers in early education. 90% of brain development happens before a child turns five years old. Teachers play a critical role in that development and deserve our respect and support. Addressing these challenges requires adequate funding and increased recognition of the pivotal role played by ECE teachers. Find out more here: https://getkready.com #KReady #KindergartenReady #affordablechildcare #childcareprofessional #earlychildhoodeducation #EarlyLearning #earlychildhood #childcare #ECE Early Learning Coalition of Orange County URBANDER Early Learning Shared Services Alliance The Children's Movement of Florida Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County Orange County Public Schools Winter Park Day Nursery Inc ORANGE COUNTY HEAD START, INC. Jerry Demings League of Women Voters of Orange County, FL City of Orlando AdventHealth Central Florida Nemours Embrace Families Peace and Justice Institute Healthy West Orange CareerSource Central Florida Heart of Florida United Way 100 Women Strong at Central Florida Foundation Central Florida Foundation Polis Institute

Child Care for Working Families Act The Child Care for Working Families Act (CCWFA) has been reintroduced by Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Bobby Scott, aiming to revolutionize child care and early education in the U.S. Here's what you need to know: � Affordability & Accessibility: The act ensures that every parent, regardless of background or location, can access affordable child care options. This move could save families an average of $5,000 annually! � Empowering the Workforce: The act focuses on better compensation and training for child care providers, addressing staffing shortages and ensuring quality care. � Focus on Early Years: Recognizing the importance of the first five years of a child's life, the act emphasizes high-quality care during this crucial developmental period. � Evolving Policy: The new version of the act includes foundational grants for providers, expanded eligibility for families, and a renewed emphasis on early childhood education. � Urgent Need: With rising childcare costs and a growing demand for quality care options, the reintroduction of the CCWFA is timely and essential. Let's support a brighter future for our children and working families! #ChildCareForAll #WorkingFamiliesAct #EarlyEducationMatters

Have you ever worked hard to get something and realised it's not what you wanted? I took on a role that was a goal for ten years. But I soon realised it was not for me. I work with so many business dads that are in this position. They are working hard and sacrificing so much to create the best possible future for their families. They can not be around. But being around is essential for your children. Dr Helen Norman, Research Fellow at Leeds University Business School, who analysed primary school test scores for five- and seven-year-olds, led key research and said: “Mothers still tend to assume the primary carer role and therefore tend to do the most childcare, but if fathers actively engage in childcare too, it significantly increases the likelihood of children getting better grades in primary school. This is why encouraging and supporting fathers to share childcare with the mother, from an early stage in the child’s life, is critical.” Spending time is the most important thing with your children and their development. Have a vision but check to see if this is what you want from time to time. Enjoy the weekend. #workingdads #busyprofessionals #childdevelopment