Missouri’s prekindergarten and childcare systems are getting a $160 million boost in the new state budget year that is in full swing. The funding is one of Missouri’s largest state investments in early childhood education in Missouri history. The state legislature’s budget decision comes after the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the state’s economy...
The state funding is divided into two pots; more than $55 million is set aside for school districts and charter schools, while about $26 million is available for community-based child care providers. The programs are supposed to prioritize low-income families. Early childhood education advocates are excited about increased funding for pre-kindergarten in the Missouri budget headed...
At five months pregnant, Kayla Marmaud started putting her name on waiting lists for child care. But when her son was born in late 2021, she still hadn’t heard from any daycares. As her maternity leave drew to a close, Marmaud found herself in waitlist limbo. Leaving the workforce was not an option financially for her or...
Missouri law Enforcement is pairing up with childcare advocates to read to children and promote the passing of legislation to strengthen early childhood education. Friday, law enforcement leaders will read to children in Springfield to serve as positive role models and raise awareness of the importance of early childhood education. Council for a Strong America wants...
The Missouri Champion of Children Coalition have started a new advertising campaign, beginning with a new 30 second video advert. The video itself details some of the issues Missouri is facing currently in the realm of childcare, including some alarming statistics about how some of these childcare issues are affecting the Missouri economy and workforce. Childcare related...