I write this petition as a mom and early childhood care provider. I am asking others who want better for their children to join me in standing up to the current status quo. Stop our state, county, cities, and the PEM school board from taking away our children's valuable education and in person learning. Many of us are not equipped to be educators and are unable devote the necessary time and skills to properly teaching our children. Some of us are beginning to see the mental and emotional impact this is taking on our youth. We need to be a voice for our children’s futures. We should have a right to decide. 
Early childhood education is critical to future learning and success of our children. Although our teachers have worked very hard to create distance learning plans, for many families the strain of these plans is to great. Furthermore the strain put on our already limited childcare sector is immense. Centers and homes are full and straining to support these families and children. Social interaction in early childhood is a key aspect of child development. Children not in school miss out on the opportunity to learn how to build relationships and work with others. 
The mental health impacts on our youth are starting to be seen by many. The fear, the lack of routine, and the social isolation is causing our children emotional distress. Our children shouldn't live in fear of going to school or being in the same room as their best friend. They are torn and can not fully understand the current way of life. The lack of a consistent daily routine also adds to fear in children. Children thrive in a predictable environment. When children know whats next and what to expect it eases transitions and reduces anxiety and stress. Many of these children unfortunately have no routine and go from place to place person to person while their parents work. They are loosing their sense of security. With all that fear, anxiety, and stress many of these children have no one to turn to. Being out of school limits their ability to seek out friends, teachers, and  counselors for support. They need these people in their lives now more than ever. Some children do not have family support and it breaks my mom heart to think how alone and saddened they might be. That we are leaving these children behind and failing as a society to support our youth. 
I plead with our community to stand up and be heard. Demand our right to choose what we each individually feel is best for our own children. Let us decide if the risk of being at school outweighs the risks of not being in school. Give us a choice!