Here is our monthly dose of “5-Bullet-Point Friday” a list of NJAEYC public policy stuff we think you might be interested in.
Anything that is BLUE, just click on it for more details
What’s going on in the US
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 marked a tremendously exciting step forward towards achieving our collective, long-time goal of securing a substantial, sustainable federal investment in a high-quality, accessible, affordable, mixed-delivery early childhood education system that supports an equitable, diverse, well-prepared and well-compensated ECE workforce. President Biden has announced a framework for the Build Back Better plan, prioritizing the inclusion of $400 billion in simultaneous investments for child care and preschool. This is a remarkable testament to the tenacity and will of champions in Congress and the Administration, and to your incredible advocacy work that has brought the needs of children, families, educators, and the economy to the spotlight. However, it is not over until the President signs the bill, which due to the reconciliation process is complicated, not guaranteed, and may take a while.
To read more click here:
Build Back Better Framework | The White House
What’s going on in NJ
Good News! $83 million for child care in NJ. On Wednesday, October 27. 2021, Governor Murphy and Human Services Acting Commissioner Sarah Adelman announced an additional $83 million investment in child care to increase the child care subsidy reimbursement rates for center-based child care by an average of 25 percent. The rate increase will be effective this upcoming Monday, November 1, 2021. It includes $6.4 million in additional funding to address the rate increase that would have been in effect on January 1st to help child care providers implement the January minimum wage increase. The funding amounts will vary depending on the age of the child, with the largest increase going to programs serving infants. The monthly rate for licensed centers caring for infants will increase to $1,224 per month. This is a 70 percent increase for infant care since Governor Murphy entered office in 2018, when the rate for infant care was $724 per month. For parents selecting a provider rated in the state’s Grow NJ Kids quality improvement program, that rate jumps even further. Infant care at a Grow NJ Kids-rated program will now be at least $1,326 per month. This latest increase is on top of the $700 million investment in child care announced by Governor Murphy and Acting Commissioner Adelman two weeks ago. These funds are part of the American Rescue Plan dollars and will be used to help parents pay for child care, provide retention and sign-on bonuses to child care staff and offer grants to child care providers to address specific needs.
To read more click here: Murphy Administration Announces $83 Million Additional Investment in Child Care & Support for Working Families – Insider NJ
What’s coming up
Join us on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Come join us for our first Your Voice Matters of the 2021-2022 school year. We will launch this year’s group by discussing the importance of elevating ALL voices in the early childhood field. Come explore ways to involve your staff and parents in advocacy efforts. Walk away with a new network of peers and tools that will assist you in ramping up your policy and advocacy efforts. Professional Development hours will be provided. Please RSVP with your name to receive the ZOOM link and download the NJAEYC App to get a reminder about this meeting.
RSVP to: mail@njaeyc.org
NAEYC’s Public Policy Forum, which will be held IN PERSON from February 27 through March 1, 2022, in Washington DC so SAVE THE DATE, and stay tuned for so much more to come, including opportunities we will be working to create for those who may not be able to make it to Washington DC.
To read more click here: 2021 Public Policy Forum | NAEYC
Save the Dates: Please join NJAEYC in celebrating the Week of the Young Child, April 2 through 8, 2022. NJAEYC will once again have grants available to support members in carrying out WOYC plans! Look for the application in early 2022.
To read more click here: Week of the Young Child | NAEYC
Something you might like
Learning Starts At Birth’s new brief, ”Establishing Early Care & Education As a Public Good” outlines potential principles for policy design that, if applied consistently, could aid the field in identifying tactical policy, program, and advocacy actions that pave the way for investing in early care and education as a public good. Through snapshots of potential change that center equity and access, the brief explores what might be possible for children, families, and educators once these principles are applied. Learning Starts at birth invites you to share these ideas for change with your colleagues and community partners and to join us in seeking a new path forward.
To read more click here:
Quote we’re pondering
“This investment in early care and education can transform the lives of millions beginning in early childhood and extending through their adult years, contributing to higher educational attainment, higher workforce productivity, and better health. (“Statement from Dr. Steve Barnett on the Build Back Better Framework’s Historic Opportunity to Strengthen Early Education and the Nation”, National Institute for Early Learning Research (NIEER) Newsletter, Statement from Dr. Steve Barnett on the Build Back Better Framework’s Historic Opportunity to Strengthen Early Education and the Nation – National Institute for Early Education Research (nieer.org)
Have a wonderful weekend!
NJAEYC Public Policy Team
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