2009/2010 MEAEYC Public Policy Brief

The Maine Association for the Education of Young Children (MEAEYC) is dedicated to improving the well being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age eight.  MEAEYC is the Maine affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  NAEYC and its affiliates are recognized and acknowledged as the leading advocacy voice in the early childhood community.

The MEAEYC public policy committee developed a survey in September 2009, which was distributed to members in October 2009.  The survey results were used to develop the following public policy agenda.  For the 2010 legislative session MEAEYC supports:

Ø Increase Access to Quality Care: MEAEYC supports increased subsidies that will allow more children the ability to attend high quality early childhood settings.  Family education of the standards of quality care is also a priority for MEAEYC members. 69.5% of the members surveyed, identified the ability to pay for the full cost of childcare as the #1 barrier to families’ access to quality care.

Ø Increase Funding to Support Quality Improvements in Programs: MEAEYC supports increasing the investment in early childhood including low interest loans for capital improvements and increasing the financial benefits for programs meeting higher standards of quality as measured by Quality for ME- Maine’s Quality Rating System. 76.7% of respondents stated that a lack of financial support to sustain/maintain quality was the number one barrier to improving the quality of their programs.

Ø Equitable Wages Based on Level of Education/Experience: MEAEYC supports financial awards based on levels within the Maine Roads to Quality Provider Registry. 63.8% of members who responded stated that the wages within the early care and education system in the state of Maine are not adequate based on the professional’s level of education and experience.

Ø Improve Professional Development Opportunities: MEAEYC supports the increased investment in scholarships for early care and education professionals. 1/3 of respondents identified a lack of scholarships as a barrier to furthering their education and another 1/3 wanted an increased variety of training/classes offered in the state. 

Ø Support Children’s Mental Health: MEAEYC supports investments in programs that provide mental health and crisis services for the children and families in Maine. 74.9% of respondents indicated a need for increased focus on the mental health of children and families.  45.6% stated that family crisis is the number one contributing factor to children’s well-being.