Local child care provider hosts site visit for state representatives
By NewsPress Now
St. Joseph, Mo. — On Thursday, October 24 and Tuesday, October 29, Mark Twain Early Learning Center, a local St. Joseph child care provider hosted state Representatives Brenda Shields (R-11) and Sean Pouche (R-13). The visit included a tour of the center, led by Coordinator of Early Learning, Dlo Duvall, a Kids Win Missouri Early Care and Education Fellow, followed by a conversation about the realities of the early care and education system.
Legislators had the opportunity to see different activities in each classroom, speak to the teachers, and get a better understanding of the direct impact that policy has on the providers, educators, and families.
“It was wonderful to have state representatives visit our Early Learning Center at Mark Twain. We were able to show them the multiple programs housed in that center and how they are funded. Programs discussed were Parents as Teachers, Preschool, which includes general education and special education, and before—and after-school childcare. This was an amazing opportunity to advocate for Early Childhood funding and collaboration between departments,” said Dlo Duvall.
The goal of these visits is to encourage legislators to prioritize early childhood education in this year’s legislative agenda. ECE plays a critical role in the ability for families and communities to thrive but is currently in crisis, as educators are underpaid, and many families are left unable to access affordable, high-quality care.
“The legislative site visits are a great opportunity for child care providers and teachers to share their joys and challenges. The legislators have an opportunity to see firsthand how recent investments in child care and early education are impacting ECE programs in their district while also learning how continued investments are crucial to the success of our youngest learners, their families, and our communities,” said Robyn Schelp, Director of Policy & Advocacy, Kids Win Missouri.
About Mark
Twain Early Learning Center
Mark Twain Early Learning Center is a preschool program within the St. Joseph School District. This program is designed to honor the nature of learning for young children. Active family involvement is an integral part of the program. Families are the first and most consistent teachers that children experience in their lives. Children will make the most progress when families and teachers work together. An early childhood teacher and paraprofessional will plan age-appropriate learning experiences to promote growth and development in the classroom and at home.
About Kids Win Missouri’s ECE Fellowship
Learn more about the fellowship at https://mochampionofchildren.com/fellow-feature/
