Media Contact:
Megan Mansouri
314-531-1412 ext. 156
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United 4 Children to support Childcare Providers on A Day Without Childcare: A National Day of Action
Monday, May 9 is A Day Without Childcare: A National Day Of Action. Childhood educators, service providers, and families will come together across the country on May 9 to shed light on the need for living wages for childcare providers, an equitable childcare system, and affordable childcare for all families.
United 4 Children will stand in solidarity with the childcare programs and families we serve. United 4 Children’s team will send letters to local decision-makers advocating for investments in childcare programs and will share messages on social media about the importance of early childhood education.
“Systematic racism and poverty have created inequitable access to early childhood education in the St Louis region and beyond. United 4 Children provides resources and support to early childhood educators, partnering with childcare programs to help them build the program of their dreams for the children and families they serve,” said Deanna Finch, United 4 Children executive director. “Our businesses and government must make greater investments in childcare providers to ensure they can make a livable wage while providing affordable, quality childcare to families.”
This National Day of Action will showcase how critical childcare is to our country. Cortaiga Collins, owner and founder of Good Shepherd Infant and Toddler Center, will not close completely on May 9 but will have reduced hours. Collins said Good Shepherd Infant and Toddler Center, which cares for children birth to 13, are also encouraging their families to take the pledge online to show their solidarity with the childcare program and its teachers. Collins has also worked to make families aware of what childcare providers are advocating for on May 9.
“It’s important for me because I want to show solidarity with other providers who may be impacted by some of the issues that plague early childhood education more than me. We are very fortunate, but the system is damaged. It’s being repaired but it’s still damaged,” Collins said. “We are a community of providers. That extends past this city and past this region. This is a national issue that begs attention. We want to maximize the impact of this day so that decision makers and policy makers are fully aware of the importance of access to early childhood education.”
Childcare is crucial to a parent’s ability to work and provide for their families. As the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation notes in a recent report, “Childcare gaps result in massive economic losses for states. Annually, across the states examined, childcare issues result in estimated losses ranging from hundreds of millions to almost $10 billion.” Childcare ensures working parents can be productive in the workforce. Childcare programs help children build the strong social-emotional and academic foundation they need to thrive now and in the future.
Anyone wishing to show support for childcare providers can take this pledge online. That page also lists events happening throughout the region and country to honor this day of action.
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About United 4 Children
United 4 Children provides coaching, training, nutrition, and inclusion services to childcare and after school programs that address the many needs of the whole child. The organization empowers childcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure that children feel safe, supported, and engaged in high-quality, developmentally appropriate activities by qualified and caring adults. United 4 Children strives to meet community needs where other resources do not exist. It is the only Missouri State funded program addressing the federal recommendation of reducing suspension rates through teaching social-emotional skills. In addition, United 4 Children is an official sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for family childcare home providers in both Missouri and Illinois. To learn more, visit united4children.org.
