I’m writing in support of new legislation to support the formation of a Blue Ribbon Commission to research financing options for high-quality, affordable childcare in Vermont.
As an employee in a community childcare support agency, I am well aware of the true cost of quality childcare and the limited ability of most families to afford to pay for quality care. Most childcare programs do not charge what it really costs them to offer high-quality care, and instead rely on fundraising.
Even with this, many childcare centers cannot afford to pay staff a livable wage and therefore experience much turnover, which hinders their ability to provide consistent caregivers, which is essential for high quality care. This is why I support the creation of a Blue Ribbon Commission to examine the costs, affordability and availability of funding for high-quality child care for children ages birth through five.
Please sign the Let’s Grow Kids Pledge to show that you support making sure every Vermont child has a strong start.
Amethyst Peaslee
Middlebury