I am a registered home provider and have been in the field for over 30 years. I am joining thousands of my colleagues across the state building our union, Vermont Early Educators United-AFT. We know the early education system in Vermont is in crisis. We see families struggle every day to afford care, we see our colleagues leaving the profession because they can’t make a living. Most importantly, we spend our days educating Vermont’s youngest citizens, and we see that their needs are not being met.

Research shows children who receive high-quality early education are more likely to succeed in school and in life. The early childhood years are a critical foundation for all future learning. Quality in early education is directly related to a child’s relationship with an experienced early educator. Lack of affordability for parents and high turnover mean that children are moved from program to program and too often lose teachers who leave the field for a higher-paying job. Until early educators, parents and policymakers come together to stabilize the early care and education system, Vermont’s children will pay the cost.

My colleagues and I participate on dozens of committees and boards; we have given testimony to our elected officials at every opportunity. Over and over again we have spoken out about the critical needs in our field, but our words have not translated into action. Experience has taught us that it is only by organizing our union and becoming true partners in decisions that we can address the crisis in the early education and care system in Vermont. The House of Representatives passed the bill that recognizes our right to organize, H.97, last year by a large majority. This year we call upon the Senate to do the same. Vermont’s kids are counting on them.

Gisele Chouinard

Barre