Rhode Island Early Educator Higher Education Career Pathways – Challenges, Barriers, and Solutions
Several members of the RIght from the Start Steering Committee worked together to document systemic barriers and challenges that early educators face when trying to earn professional credentials, complete college degrees, and improve their wages and benefits while continuing to do the work they love – caring for and educating infants, toddlers, and young children […]
Vox News: Why the US doesn’t have universal child care (anymore)
Check out this excellent Vox News video history of child care in the United States. “President Richard Nixon set us on a path where any kind of federal child care policy would be as underfunded and stigmatized as possible. It’s a system that reinforces and deepens inequalities of race, gender, and class . . . But just […]
Betancur: It’s time to make voting safer and accessible in Rhode Island
Great Valley Breeze commentary by #RIghtStart steering committee member Marcela Betancur of the Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University. #RIghtStart proudly supports the Let RI Vote coalition and legislation to expanded voting access by giving more Rhode Islanders, including busy parents of young children, the opportunity to vote by mail or early in-person. Betancur: It’s time to make […]
National Strolling Thunder 2022 Looking for Rhode Island Babies & Families
RIght Start partner ZERO TO THREE is looking for babies and families to represent Rhode Island at this year’s virtual Strolling Thunder on Capitol Hill on May 17th. Do you or someone you know have a story about child care, paid leave, economic security, infant and early childhood mental health, or Early Head Start? Learn more […]
Let’s Invest In Early Intervention So Infants & Toddlers with Developmental Challenges Can Thrive!
For more than 30-years Rhode Island families, like parent Moraya Muritala and her son Hakeem, have relied on Early Intervention (EI) specialists to help children under age 3 overcome developmental challenges. Unfortunately, Rhode Island’s EI providers haven’t received a rate increase in more than 20 years. Even though EI specialists are highly trained and have […]
Amazing RIght Start 2022 Kickoff Event!
On February 2nd we had an amazing 2022 RIght Start Agenda kickoff event featuring Governor Dan McKee, Speaker Joe Shekarchi, Senate President Dominic Ruggerio, and a host of other elected leaders, parents, and advocates all gathered to discuss legislation and budget priorities designed to ensure that ALL Rhode Island kids and families get off to […]
RIght Start Campaign Kickoff & 2022 Legislative and Budget Priorities
Join us Wednesday, February 2nd from 2:30-3:30 PM as we gather together virtually with Governor McKee, Speaker Shekarchi, Senate President Ruggerio, Senate Majority Leader McCaffrey, other elected champions, advocates, and parents to kickoff RIght from the Start’s 2022 legislative and budget priorities campaign. Please register here and we look forward to seeing you on February 2nd!
Elected Leaders, Advocates and Parents Launch 2022 RIght Start Agenda of Early Childhood Education, Family Health and Budget Priorities
RIght from theStart Campaign rolls out 2022 legislative and budget priorities to help ensure that ALL Rhode Island young children and families get off to the right start in life. PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Today via Zoom conference, elected leaders including Governor Dan McKee, Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey, advocates, […]
RIght Start Agenda: 2023 Legislative & Budget Priorities
With large state budget surpluses for the past two years, increased federal support for early childhood programs, and a strong economy, now is the time for Rhode Island to invest in building strong systems to make the state the best place to have a family. Rhode Island needs state budget investments and policies that help […]
Child Care FORWARD Task Force Agreements & Goals
In 2021 RIght from the Start convened a task force of providers, advocates, and elected leaders to develop a 10-year vision and policy priorities that would improve access to high-quality child care, preschool, and paid family leave. After extensive collaboration, the task force reached the following final agreements and goals: The following organizations participated on the […]