Why Now?
Saint Paul families with young children face an inequitable and often unsolvable crisis, one that has grown more challenging in the last few years. For too many Saint Paul families, finding quality and affordable early learning programs is impossible. That’s why coalition of parents, child care providers, educators and community leaders have come together to create Yes For Saint Paul Families — the campaign to pass the early education and childcare initiative that will be on Saint Paul ballots in November.
What's At Stake?
5,000+
More than 5,000 zero to five year olds live in poverty in Saint Paul
6th
Minnesota has the sixth most expensive child care in the country
58%
58% of Saint Paul kids live at or below 185% of the federal poverty line, and could qualify for zero-cost early childhood education through the program
Keeping Kids on Track to Succeed
Because 90% of brain development occurs before age 5, early education programs are critical to ensure our children have the tools they need to succeed in school and in life. Children's brains develop faster in the first five years than at any other point in life. All children deserve the best early learning and childcare programs during this critical period of their development, regardless of their family income, race, or zip code.
Advancing Equity In Education
Minnesota has some of the worst education inequities in the nation, beginning as early as age one. Early learning encourages early brain development, eliminates opportunity and educational inequities, and decreases the poverty rate by making it possible for parents to participate in the workforce. Children who attend early education programs show up ready for kindergarten, and that success continues into elementary school. When every family has access to an early education program, every child has the tools to succeed in school.
Easing The Child Care Crunch
Minnesota has the sixth most expensive child care in the country, putting a strain on Saint Paul families and sometimes forcing parents out of the workforce. This program will ensure that lower-income families have access to culturally responsive early learning programs. By making child care free for low income families and reducing the cost for other households, we will help ease the burden of high cost and availability shortages in child care.
Investing In Our Kids, Investing In Our Community
Years of studies have shown the correlation between early childhood education and economic strength of communities. Targeted early childhood investments have been proven to save cities money on education and other services in the long run. Similar programs are proven to return up to $16 for every dollar spent. When every family has access to care through early education programs, more parents can stay in the workforce and keep Saint Paul strong.