In preparation for the LWV CVA Program Planning meeting on Sunday, December 8, CitySpace, at 1:30 pm, Beth Kariel and Kathryn Dillon, of the League’s Child Care Committee, have now published their Child Care Report – 2019. Previously, Beth had presented an overview of the report findings at the November 17 Sunday Seminar “Improving Early Childhood Care and Education.” You can read here Beth’s presentation, Child Care Study Presentation Nov 17 2019.

Early childhood care and education is important because many families need child care and there is not enough affordable, quality child care in our region. The Child Care Committee of the League of Women Voters of the Charlottesville Area is currently doing a study of child care in order to update our position. The focus of the study is on child care licensing and enforcement as well as education and training for those who work in child care. The role that government should play in child care is being considered. While it’s a good sign that in June, 2018, Governor Northam reestablished the Children’s Cabinet, which is being led by First Lady Pamela Northam, real results and evidence of improvement in local child care is something we need to monitor.

It’s important that we be advocates for children, not only for their well being but for the well being of society generally. Early childhood is a time of development and growth, socially, emotionally and intellectually. Good early childhood experiences can have positive lifelong effects on children. However, inadequate care can have negative lifelong effects on children. We should have high expectations for child care and provide enough resources for high quality child care for children in Virginia.

Both the Child Care Report – 2019 and Beth’s summary presentation at the November 17 Sunday Seminar can be read on this website under the drop-down menu, “Action and Advocacy” – Child Care Committee.