| Early Educators’ Salary Crisis -- Taking a Step Forward in Massachusetts |
Early educators’ salaries are unconscionably low, but Massachusetts leaders are starting to address this. Massachusetts’ fiscal year 2018 budget includes $38.5 million for an Early Education and Care rate increase to support educators’ salaries. According to Governor Baker’s office, this is “the largest rate increase in a decade for all early education and care programs for low-income families.” The investment reflects the recent alignment of Massachusetts policymakers, including Governor Baker, House Speaker DeLeo and Senate President Stan Rosenberg, in support of the early education and care workforce. Visit our blog for details. |
| Business Champions for Children Gather in Springfield |
David Lawrence Jr., the former publisher of the Miami Herald, chairs the Children’s Movement of Florida. And as a grandfather of eight children, it’s no surprise to hear him say, “I simply became convinced… that the whole future of my community and my country depends on doing right, particularly in the early childhood years.” Lawrence spoke at last month’s Business Champions for Children event. Held at Springfield’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the event’s goal was to increase the momentum of Massachusetts’ investments in young children. Senator Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow) and JD Chesloff of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable also spoke at the event. Read more on our blog, in a guest post by Sally Fuller of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation. |
 Check out our Eye on Early Education blog for recent stories you may have missed. |
Inequality Starts Early, August 8 The History — and Magic — of Outdoor Play, July 27 Supporting the Adults in Early Education, July 26 Child Care Now – a New Campaign, July 25 |
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PACE CHILDCARE WORKS @STAFFCCW Aug 7 Massachusetts EEC @MassEarlyEdCare August 1 First Five Years Fund @firstfiveyears July 31 MA Fair Share @MAFairShare July 25 Early Education For All @EarlyEd4All July 20
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notes from Amy
In my fifteen years at Strategies for Children, I have heard so many stories. At the State House at legislative hearings and Advocacy Day. Testimony delivered by early educators at the Department of Early Education and Care Board Meetings. Powerful stories about early educators going back to school and inspirational stories about educators recognized at the Early Educators Awards Gala and in op-eds, editorials and letters to the editor. So many stories, but we need more. We need yours! Get involved. Stand up for what you believe in. Listen. Be part of the process. Find your voice. Lead. Don't wait for someone else to do it. Redouble your efforts. Find allies. Speak your truth. Find inspiration. Get out of your comfort zone. Here are a few ways to take action and share your story: Child Care Now – National Women’s Law Center Power to the Profession – NAEYC A series of blogs featuring first-person accounts from early educators across Massachusetts on our Eye On Early Education blog. See stories here. Please contact Laura Healy at Lhealy@strategiesforchildren.org to share your story.
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Stories matter. When we do our advocacy presentations, we ask, “ Who are the key decision-makers that impact a child’s early education and development? What do they need to know? How will you share the information?” One of the most powerful ways to share information is to tell your story. 
