Today, 71% of children under six have all available parents/caregivers in the workforce. We simply must ensure our public policy responds to the reality of life for Maine families, and reflects what decades of developmental science has shown children need for healthy development.

That’s why the Right from the Start Coalition is working to ensure that all Maine children have equal opportunity for healthy development. In short, that means providing early care and education that is accessible and of high quality, from birth to eight, and no matter where families live in our state.

Mainers have a long tradition of working together to solve tough problems. And we know that even in difficult economic times we must make decisions that will benefit us in the long term. Ensuring Maine’s prosperous future begins with recognizing that our youngest citizens must get what they need today to become the adults who will strengthen our communities and build our economy. We are asking for your leadership in making sure Maine gets it Right From The Start.

We share the following vision:

1. EARLY LEARNING & CARE By 2030, Maine families with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers will have access to high quality early care and education in child care programs and elementary schools in partnership with home visitors, early childhood service providers, and employers.

2. FAMILY SUPPORTS & SERVICES By 2030 Maine will have an early childhood system with regional coordination and connection, with no wrong door for families to access services.

3. WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT The early childhood workforce is valued as a vital part of Maine’s education system and economy. By 2030, establish a public funding mechanism to ensure that jobs in child care programs include benefits and competitive wages, commensurate with experience and credentials/degrees, reflecting the importance of the work.

4. FINANCING & DATA COLLECTION By 2030, Maine will create a comprehensive and integrated early childhood system that functions as a public good with dedicated funding to ensure that children and families can thrive.