The Huffington Post – Deborah Kong
“This Mother’s Day, moms across California need more than flowers — they need a state budget that increases the access, affordability and quality of child care and preschool. As I see my son Robby learn and grow, I am so appreciative that he has the opportunity to attend a quality preschool. He can now write his name, recognize letters of the alphabet and count. Perhaps even more importantly, he has learned to manage his emotions, work with others and pay attention. These new skills have made him a confident, enthusiastic learner. For my son, and for me, early learning has been invaluable. Every day, I’m able to go to work knowing that he is well cared for, happy and thriving. As president of Early Edge California, I get to advocate on behalf of other children and families and help set them on the path to college and career readiness. I am proud to do this work every day, and I am acutely aware that far too many mothers and children in California do not have the same opportunity that Robby and I have. Every mother, no matter her income, deserves to know that her child is learning in a quality, healthy, safe environment. High-quality early learning opportunities for children birth to age five not only provide them with the strong start in life they need for success, but empower mothers to pursue their education and career dreams, like I have been able to do.”(more)