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A representative from the office of state Rep. Aerion Abney, D-19th, visited The Learning Loft this week to discuss the role of early childhood education.

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Natali Lara-Jimena, Abney’s constituent services advisor, visited the early childhood education on Centre Avenue, which is in the state representative’s district.

Her visit provided a first-hand glimpse into the vital role that early childhood educators play as the “workforce behind the workforce.” Amid an ongoing state staffing crisis and capacity challenges for early childhood education, Lara-Jimena’s engagement underscored the critical need for action and support.

Lara-Jimena met with educators, who discussed balancing the needs of children and families while navigating consistent underfunding and workforce shortages. 

The visit highlighted the importance of a proposed $284 million recruitment and retention initiative to help providers offer competitive wages and ensure the long-term sustainability of the early childhood workforce. 

The proposed funds would help to stabilize and strengthen the field by addressing urgent staffing needs, retaining skilled educators, and ensuring that children and communities could rely on getting high-quality care.