Dear John, I’m worried about America’s children – as a mother, grandmother and early childhood educator. The systemic issues surrounding our nation’s child care and early learning industries are devastating. Mothers are struggling to return to work. Kids are missing out on their chance to get the best possible start in life. And early childhood educators like myself are facing job instability and inadequate pay. I’m passionate about teaching young children, but I’ve been forced to start over time and time again. When my daughter – a single, working mother – struggled to find child care, I stepped in to support her. I was heartbroken when my job couldn’t accommodate my new schedule, but my granddaughter needed me, so I reluctantly left. In the years since, I’ve worked with public school systems and community organizations – but these programs were the first to be eliminated with budget cuts, and the first to close when COVID-19 struck. Early educators lost their jobs, and kids lost quality preschool during their most crucial years of development. Now, I find myself unable to work in the industry that I love – even with a 4-year degree and 20 years of experience. John, my story is far too common. Congress is planning to vote on the Build Back Better Act very soon. This is our chance to support kids, their parents and their teachers like never before. Send a message to your members of Congress today: pass the Build Back Better Act to make life-changing investments in child care, early childhood education and child nutrition! If passed, this bill would increase access to high-quality, affordable child care and offer universal preschool to every three- and four-year-old. Child care providers would be able to offer increased wages and benefits to their employees. And more children in high-poverty communities would benefit from free and reduced-price school meals and have access to nutritious foods during the summer months – because a child can’t learn or play on an empty stomach. Parents, teachers and child care workers are shaping the next generation of leaders and change-makers. It’s time to listen to their voices. Urge Congress to pass the Build Back Better Act to invest in the futures of our children – and the future of our nation. Thank you for being a voice for kids, | 
