Thread by @SenJasonLewis

At 10:00, the Joint Committee on Education will kick off the first session of an oversight hearing on early education and child care. I'm looking forward to chairing this important conversation with my House co-chair @RepAlicePeisch. Tune in here: malegislature.gov/Events/Hearing…

Even before the #COVID19 pandemic, the #EarlyEducation & #ChildCare system in Mass. was facing significant challenges. Since mid-March, when @MassGovernor issued a state of emergency order and most childcare programs had to close their doors, the sector has been in crisis.

We understand this has been - and continues to be - a very difficult time for providers, staff, and families with young children. We also recognize how critical high quality, affordable childcare is for children, families, employers and our economy.

Now, as providers are starting to reopen, they are facing daunting health and safety requirements to keep children and staff safe from the coronavirus; a grim fiscal outlook; workforce concerns; and uncertainty over parent demand and what the future holds.

Parents are struggling to decide what is best for their children and their family, and what viable and affordable options are available to them. And, early educators - like other essential workers – are on the frontlines during this pandemic, underpaid and under appreciated.

It is clear that the early education sector needs significant financial assistance if we are to avoid mass closures and a severe shortage of providers in the Commonwealth.

Fortunately, leaders like @SenWarren and @RepKClark are fighting for desperately needed federal resources, and we are very hopeful that Congress will pass another coronavirus relief package this month that includes substantial aid for early education and childcare.

The Education Committee and our colleagues in the state legislature are also keenly focused on the plight of early education and care providers, educators, children, and families.

In this hearing today and next week, we are eager to better understand the challenges facing this vital sector so we can work together on solutions. Ultimately, I believe our goal should be to ensure *universal* access in Mass. to high quality, affordable early education & care.