Dear supporters,
We hope you are staying safe and healthy during this time of crisis.
This is an extraordinary time with many unknowns. We are checking in to share what we do know and offering support to Rhode Island’s early childhood programs and professionals. We will continue to communicate often and share updates.
Governor Raimondo and the Department of Human Services (DHS) are advising that child care centers remain closed. To prevent community spread of the virus, all families should keep children out of group care settings to the greatest extent possible.
We expect the Governor’s office and DHS will share additional information soon about emergency child care options for “essential workers” who have no other option for child care during this public health crisis.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY
We are joining our colleagues across the country in the request for up to $50 billion in emergency stimulus funding to keep the child care industry from collapsing. Since the Congressional situation is fluid and field engagement is critical, a number of the national organizations are working together to organize.
Join in the #FundChildCare #ChildCareNow Twitter Storm Monday, March 23rd to urge Congress to #FundChildCare. Now. Click here to see how to contact the Rhode Island Congressional delegation. Twitter handles are @SenJackReed, @SenWhitehouse, @JimLangevin, @RepCicilline. Include them in your tweets. Keep tweeting all day!
Finally, tell your Rhode Island state legislators to support the RIght from the Start agenda including $7.5 million to increase funding for the Rhode Island Child Care Assistance Program to meet federal standards and the Early Educator Workforce Investment Act to develop a plan to raise wages for our early childhood educators.
Thank you for all you are doing for children, families and for each other.
RIght from the Start
info@rightfromthestartri.org/
