On Oct. 16, the Post-Bulletin’s lead story "School Readiness varies" pointed to an important area of concern in our state. It echoed the Minnesota Department of Education report that 50 percent of children enter kindergarten unprepared. Yes, it holds true in Rochester.
That same evening, Family Child Care, Inc. sponsored a candidate forum. Six state House candidates and two state Senate candidates participated; 50 community members were in attendance.
As child-care professionals, educators, policy makers, and members of the media, it is essential that all take note of the 1,200 licensed child-care providers in Minnesota, 530 from Olmsted county, that make a significant impact on the children who enter our school systems. At the forum, providers presented information about the North Star Quality Improvement and Rating System sponsored by Ready4K, incentives for longevity in the child-care profession, subsidized child-care assistance, and the recent unwelcomed unionization effort. A question-and-answer period followed, giving the audience members perspective on the candidates priority related to early childhood education.
It was an absolute disappointment that after repeated invitation there were no members of the media present to share with the community how licensed child-care professionals are striving to increase the quality of care available to our community and are working alongside our legislators to make that a reality.
Jackie Harrington
ADVERTISEMENT
Licensed child-care provider
Rochester
