Georgia Ports Authority’s Post

Early childhood education programs, like Early REACH, are essential for economic growth, workforce development, and socioeconomic mobility. In Harris County, 72% of low-income children under three live in areas without sufficient subsidized child care, and 91% lack access to quality-rated providers. Early REACH addresses these critical gaps, providing a significant step toward financial stability and self-sufficiency for hardworking, low-income families facing rising living costs. This program embodies our commitment at BakerRipley to create opportunities and foster resilient communities. Learn more about Early REACH and how we’re making a difference at earlyreach.org. 

Early Education And Childcare Program Grants in Boston The Department of Early Education and Care has opened an application window for $4 million in funds for early education and childcare programs through the Early Education and Out-of-School Time capital funding program. Nonprofits offering childcare and out-of-school programs can apply for $500,00 to $1,000,000 to acquire, renovate, or expand their classrooms and facilities to increase state-subsidized spaces for children. Local leaders including Plymouth/Barnstable State Senator Susan Moran have emphasized the hurdles working families face in finding affordable childcare, an obstacle they say hampers efforts toward creating a sustainable year-round economy in the region. At least half of the children in each applicant program must be enrolled to receive public subsidies to pursue funding, with an application deadline of February 1, 2024. EEOST grants are dually financed through state capital allotments and matching private investments, building on $14.3 in funding for smaller-scale early education and childcare programs announced by state officials in November. Here’s the link to the information session: https://lnkd.in/esdsUEcv For assistance with the grant application, complete an inquiry at https://lnkd.in/e8fMeDHu #childcare #earlychildhoodeducation #grants #grantwriter

Many school districts have started offering 4K and even 3K programs. Now, they are beginning to offer childcare programs as well. I wonder if more schools will try to be one stop drop offs for families (infant through 12th grade). This is common in private schools (sorta, there are a lot of infant-8th grade, but not a ton of infant-12th grade). The article below talks about this particularly in WI. https://lnkd.in/gvi4nsfq

According to new data from People for Education’s 2023-24 Annual Ontario School Survey, while 81% of elementary schools offer childcare or before/after school programs, only 33% have childcare for children under 4-years-old. Here's a brief insight into the current state of child care in Ontario and the rest of Canada. https://lnkd.in/gh3kMzDF

Kentucky's New Bill: Better Childcare & Education for All! #advisorycouncil #affordablechildcare #childcarefacilities #earlychildhoodeducation #economicgrowth #GovernorAndyBeshear #healthoutcomes #Kentuckychildcare #lifelonglearning #literacyskills #povertyreduction #professionaldevelopment #qualityeducation #scholarshipprogram #schoolreadiness #teachertraining

Investing in Childcare Supports All of Us Let's be clear: Every family should have access to early childhood care and education. Without it, children, their parents, and our entire economy suffer—especially women, low-income communities, and communities of color. https://lnkd.in/gCaszj2E

FACT: The average American family spends more than a quarter of their household income on childcare. These hefty fees trigger a ripple effect on businesses, driving parents out of the workforce, but it doesn’t end there... Many young children face challenges that can be barriers to success in school and life. Early childhood education through school-readiness programs helps remove these barriers for children. Did you know that early childhood education is a proven path away from incarceration, violent crime, and reliance on government welfare? High-quality childcare and early childhood education provided at early learning centers (ELCs) profoundly impact the immediate and long-term socioeconomic well-being of children, their families, and their communities. 😊 Read more about this in the recently published EDmarket Essentials Magazine article by MPS Architects Josh Czerniak, AIA, LEED AP and Michelle Smyth and learn about a SPECIAL PROJECT that may serve as a new model to address childcare deserts in the Southeast and beyond. https://lnkd.in/ehmMjR_e Middle Tyger Community Center, Spartanburg County First Steps

While it's welcome that the Minister now has a plan for how the £25 million allocated to #childcare will be spent, we need to see more detail of the planned subsidy for parents, and a timeline for delivery. Promises were made around the delivery of 'interim support' so it is crucial that this is rolled out quickly to support parents and childcare providers with affordability and tackle the immediate crisis facing the sector. The plan to standardise pre-school places to 22.5 hours has been in development since 2022. While access to high quality pre-school education is critical for children's educational and social development, it is not childcare and does not help all families, especially those with the youngest children. These plans must reflect the needs of parents, children and our childcare sector, based on the evidence that we and others have been presented for many years. Aoife Hamilton https://lnkd.in/eapXMET5

As a business owner deeply committed to supporting families and children in the Okanagan, I am troubled by recent events that highlight the challenges facing childcare providers. Childhood Connections Okanagan Family & Childcare Society, a pillar of our community for 40 years, may have to close its doors after losing a critical government contract to the YMCA of Southern Interior BC. It's concerning to see how the government's decisions are impacting childcare providers, forcing them to compete for contracts that are vital for their survival. The situation is made even more troubling by the fact that organizations like the YMCA, which already receive substantial government funding, are further consolidating their position in the market, potentially creating monopolies. This issue raises important questions about fairness and transparency in the childcare sector. It's alarming to think that providers are being pitted against each other and that those who sign non-disclosure agreements for $10 a day contracts may have an unfair advantage. We need to ensure that our childcare system is fair, sustainable, and supports providers who are truly dedicated to serving our communities. I urge the government to review its policies and practices to prevent the formation of monopolies and to support organizations like Childhood Connections that play a crucial role in our community. As we navigate these challenging times, let's continue to advocate for a childcare system that prioritizes the well-being of our children and families. Reach-out to your local MLAs and MPs. Speak-up. We can't continue to stay silent in these matters.

For those of you working with colleagues who are juggling little ones at home, try your best to be patient with them! Childcare for full-time working parents is 100x harder than I ever imagined it would be. Last year, I paid over $18,000 for ONE child for full-time care. Meanwhile, in-state tuition for a four-year public college in New York is ~$7,900 (according to this article). It's more than twice as expensive to send my child to daycare than college. 🤯 That's not to even mention all of the days she's home due to illness, staff development days, holidays, etc. Plus when we have to pay an additional babysitter if I have an evening work event or want an occasional date night. We're about to start school in the fall and now childcare options for before/after school are even more scarce (and just as expensive). Not everyone has "a village." Being a working parent is mentally, emotionally, and financially draining for so many reasons. The word "crisis" feels like an understatement.