In response to “Child care funding: A choice between the struggling and destitute,” I agree that our state shouldn’t be leaving its most vulnerable out in the cold. When the allocation of our tax dollars becomes so focused on numbers, we lose a critical understanding of what’s at stake: the well-being, health and future success of our children.
I’ve worked in child care for more than 16 years and talked to parents at every income level about how good care makes it possible for them to get to work and keep their family healthy and cared for.
Providers feel similar strain – I’m paid about $12.50 an hour, which means I struggle to make ends meet, and skimp on groceries and bills.
The fact is, this issue isn’t limited to Connecticut. Nationally, parents and providers are unable to do the best for their kids because of low pay and a broken child-care system.
That’s why I’m joining with other child care providers across the country to fight for at least $15/hour for early childhood educators and quality, affordable child care for parents.
We need a fix and we need to make this a priority for our families and our futures.
Crystal Williams is an early childhood educator and Fight for $15 Child Care activist.