A Day Without Childcare, STL – Action Alerts

By WEPOWER | May 9, 2024
Save the Date - DWOCC24 Graphic

Last year, thousands of child care providers, parents, and advocates joined the #DayWithoutChildCare to demand the funding we need for a 21st century child care system. 

And on Monday, May 13th… we’re doing it again. Join us.

On Monday, May 13th, we’re bringing organizers, providers, parents, and advocates together to take THREE URGENT ACTIONS:

  1. Call to action #1: Get local child care funding on the November 2024 ballot!
  2. Call to action #2: Ensure Missouri’s State Plan meets St. Louis families and providers needs!
  3. Call to action #3: Spread the word using these graphics and this link: https://rb.gy/3sz21o.

CALL TO ACTION #1: GET LOCAL CHILDCARE FUNDING ON THE NOVEMBER 2024 BALLOT!

WHAT: This November, we have an unprecedented opportunity to win big and ensure STL kids get the best start possible to become thriving leaders in our region.

St. Louis City: ½ cents (general) sales tax increase could lead to $22.436 million annually.

St. Louis County: ⅜ cents (general) sales tax increase could lead to $76.5 million annually.

First, we need to get on the November ballot.

  • In the City, we need the Board of Aldermen to pass a bill directly that places us on the ballot.
  • In the County, we need to gather 44,000 signatures!

YOUR ROLE:

This November, we have an unprecedented opportunity to win big and ensure STL kids get the best start possible to become thriving leaders in our region.

LOCAL HEARING: Testify Monday at City Hall and tell the Board, “Put childcare funding on the November ballot!”   RSVP TODAY.
Volunteer to gather signatures in St. Louis County!  RSVP TODAY.

CALL TO ACTION #2: ENSURE MISSOURI’S STATE PLAN MEETS ST. LOUIS FAMILIES' AND PROVIDERS’ NEEDS!

WHAT:

Missouri’s Office of Childhood has presented an opportunity to provide public comment on the 2025-2027 Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) state plan. While the dilemma of access to quality early learning and care was present before March 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic magnified the need to increase investment in and refine Missouri's child care subsidy system. With CCDF being the largest source of support for families with low incomes to pay for child care and the programs that serve them, now is the time for Missouri to redefine how public funding is used to support the early learning and care industry and, more specifically, the workforce. 

Since the CCDF state plan will not be revised again until 2028, the current process provides a critical opportunity for DESE to improve current child care subsidy policies and practices. Members of the St. Louis early childhood community have come up with key priorities for what the CCDF state plan should address so children, families, and educators can access the funds and support they need and deserve.

YOUR ROLE:

STATE HEARINGS: Testify that we need the CCDF state plan to reflect the St. Louis priorities!

Sign on in support of the St. Louis priorities!  CLICK HERE.

Posted in Updates