St. Joseph, Mo. — On Thursday, October 24 and Tuesday, October 29, Mark Twain Early Learning Center, a local St.
Joseph child care provider hosted state Representatives Brenda Shields (R-11) and Sean Pouche (R-13). The visit included a tour of the center, led by Coordinator of Early Learning, Dlo Duvall, a Kids Win Missouri Early Care and Education Fellow, followed by a conversation about the realities of the early care and education system. Legislators had the opportunity to see different activities in each classroom, speak to the teachers, and get a better understanding of the direct impact that policy has on the providers, educators, and families.
“It was wonderful to have state representatives visit our Early Learning Center at Mark Twain. We were able to show them the multiple programs housed in that center and how they are funded. Programs discussed were Parents as Teachers, Preschool, which includes general education and special education, and before—and after-school childcare.
This was an amazing opportunity to advocate for Early Childhood funding and collaboration between departments,” said Dlo Duvall. The goal of these visits is to encourage legislators to prioritize early childhood education in this year’s legislative agenda. ECE plays a critical role in the ability for families and communities to thrive but is currently in crisis, as educators are underpaid, and many families are left unable to access affordable, high-quality care.
“The legislative sit.