AUGUSTA - On Thursday, the Maine House of Representatives enacted LD 684, sponsored by Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, which would direct the Maine Department of Education to review the critical components of the Educare model for publicly funded early child care and education programs. It would also identify necessary resources and best practices for statewide implementation.
"A lack of access to affordable child care is a key contributor to Maine's workforce challenges," said Geiger. "This bill will direct the state to explore a promising approach to education and child care that could empower more parents to go to work while also providing young children with safe and enriching early childhood opportunities."
Educare is a publicly funded early education and daycare program first introduced in Chicago schools in 2000. It is now utilized across the nation. The model is based on research from early childhood development, education, social work and other allied fields. The Educare model is composed of data utilization, embedded professional development, high-quality teaching practices and intensive family engagement. Maine currently has one Educare school, Educare Central Maine in Waterville, which has produced outstanding results for the children enrolled in the program.
The bill faces additional votes in the Legislature.
Geiger is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents District 42, which includes Rockland, Owls Head, North Haven and part of Matinicus Isle. She is a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee and the Labor and Housing Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Geiger], 305-965-2744