High-quality early childhood education is critical to create a vibrant workforce development pipeline and business longevity. Yet many Missouri families struggle to find quality, affordable childcare, forcing parents to grapple with the difficult decision to pay high costs or leave the workforce. This virtual panel discussion examined what quality early childhood education can and should look like and how attendees can raise awareness about the importance of early childhood investment in their own communities.
Panelists included:
- Casey Hanson, Deputy Director, Kids Win Missouri
- Paula-Breonne Vickers, Director of Early Childhood Power Building, WEPOWER
- Chiffontae Ross, Washington University in St. Louis staff and parent advocate
- Deanna Finch, Executive Director, United 4 Children
- Ellicia Lanier, Executive Director, Urban Sprouts Child Development Center and Clark-Fox Policy Institute Scholar-in-Residence and Moderator
Learn more
Read the new policy brief, The Next Generation: Preparing for the Future of the Workforce.
Watch the recording of the live virtual panel discussion.