Early educators bring message of quality education to statehouse

Over 175 women (and a few men) in blue t-shirts turned out at the state capitol today as early educators from across the state gathered to support legislation giving them a voice in making decisions to improve the quality of early childhood education.
‘This is about children and the quality of care that we are able to provide. This is also about professionalism and respect for the 10,000 early educators who care for kids every single day,’ said Cathi Ste. Marie, who owns and operates a certified home care for 14 children in North Troy ‘I, and all the early educators here today are not babysitters ‘ we are professionals who care deeply about the children we are entrusted with. And our children will be better served if we are here as full partners in this process.’
H.97 has received hearings in the House and has been endorsed by Governor Shumlin, former Governor Howard Dean, 53 Representatives and 11 Senators from all 3 major parties.
The bill has also drawn support from parents and community members like Rebecca Haslam who spoke at today’s event on the value of early education to parents:
‘I’m a first grade teacher, the former President of the Burlington Education Association, a member of the Vermont NEA, AND I'm the mother of a nine month old. I know kids. And I'm here today to say that early education is good for kids, good for families and essential to Vermont.’
Legislators agreed on the importance of the legislation, and promised to double their efforts to move it swiftly through the committee process:
‘Early education isn’t just good FOR business, it IS good business,’ said Tim Ashe a leading sponsor of the bill in the Senate. ‘Over 70% of our kids are in child care at least part time. The vast majority of those are private businesses with local customers and local employees. Passing this legislation is essential for our economy.’
‘We know that our children are at a critical age for learning and cognitive development before they turn 5,’ explained Representative Mark Larson of Burlington. ‘We have to do everything we can to support them and make sure they get quality education and professional care at that age. I see H.97 as a vehicle to improving the system, as it allows early educators the opportunity to help shape the decisions that affect their businesses and the families they serve. That’s why I’m a sponsor of this bill and I have encouraged my colleagues to join me in supporting H.97.’