What can we do about a desperately underfunded child care system? We can perfect our ability to maximize income at a program level. We can educate our legislators, and build the capacity of our parents to speak out.

Is that enough? Can we do more?

One idea that is being talked about is holding a "Day Without Child Care" as a way of educating the public about the critical role we play in keeping Pennsylvania working. You may have seen the video, “A Day Without Daycare”. What if we made it real and thousands of child care programs in the Commonwealth closed all on the same day? People would certainly take notice, in a way they never have before.

None of us want to make life harder for our parents. But we could put the day in our CCIS calendar as an in-service day, and give parents advance notice. We could coach them on how to talk with their employers about the importance of child care. Staff could do professional development on leadership and advocacy, and perhaps engage in some outreach work as well.

We are taking a poll of child care programs in Pennsylvania. Would you consider closing for a day as part of a statewide Day Without Child Care?

Question Title

* 1. Please check one of these and add your thoughts, questions or concerns in the comment box.

Question Title

* 2. I think we should plan to close in ...

Question Title

* 3. How can we contact you?

This survey is sponsored by the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children (DVAEYC), Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC), Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA), and the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC).

T