Dear Editor:

Most parents have roughly 18 years to worry, save, and figure out how they are going to afford to send their child to college one day. But they only have about nine months to figure out how they are going to afford an even greater daily expense: child care. Every morning in Maine, tens of thousands of parents go to bed wondering how they’re going to afford to send their kid to child care the next day. 

New analysis from First Five Years Fund has found that the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program is critical to helping thousands of Maine parents afford the ever-growing cost of making sure their child is cared for in a safe and quality environment while they go to work. But, the analysis also found that the program could, and should be reaching more kids. 

Senator Susan Collins understands our nation’s early learning programs have never been more important. We are so grateful for her tremendous leadership in securing much-needed investments for CCDBG and Mainers last year. 

She understands that this program plays a crucial role in supporting children’s healthy development, learning, and school readiness, while also supporting Maine parents’ ability to work, train, or pursue an education. Because at the end of the day, parents just want a job so they can provide for their family. 

As Congress deliberates their budget, we are counting on Senator Collins to once again lead the charge to fortify and strengthen investments in CCDBG. Child care is oftentimes the biggest expense that Maine families grapple with every single day. By continuing to invest in child care, Congress can help serve more families, while shoring up supply by increasing reimbursement rates for providers. And, perhaps most importantly, they can help ensure families succeed and support the growth of businesses in Maine and across the country.

Sarah Rittling

First Five Years Fund

Washington, D.C.