Just like treating neurosurgeons as experts in brain development, we should treat those trained in child care as experts in child development. However, child care challenges run deeper than not seeing child care providers as experts, as shown in the lack of accessible postpartum care for mothers, adequate parental leave and child care center proximity to families. All of these challenges have been further altered and amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coalitions like Geaux Far Louisiana, which puts those most impacted by early care and education at the center of its work, are well poised to help alleviate these challenges.
– Victoria Gudino, Geaux Far Louisiana