I am a child care provider in Missouri, and like many others in my profession, I have witnessed numerous breaches of contract by the state of Missouri and the Department of Secondary Education (DESE). We strive to provide quality care for underprivileged families in our community, yet we are not treated fairly. Our dedication is met with inadequate subsidy payments that fail to reflect the critical importance of our work.

The current system is failing us - child care providers who are essential to the well-being and development of children across Missouri. It's not just about us; it's about the families we serve, many of whom rely on these subsidies so they can work or attend school.

According to a report from Child Care Aware®️of America, Missouri ranks 41st out of 50 states for its investment in child care. This lackluster support puts undue strain on providers like myself who often operate at a loss due to low subsidy rates.

We demand that DESE uphold their contracts with childcare providers and ensure fair treatment across all aspects including timely and adequate subsidy payments. The future generations depend on us; therefore, it’s crucial that we receive appropriate support from our state government.

Please sign this petition if you believe in supporting those who take care of our children every day while parents work or study. Let's stand together for fair treatment for all child care providers in St.Louis and Missouri!