We urge Powell's Books to revise its policy, extending the K-12 Educators of Oregon Discount to include early childhood educators. Powell's is a leader in the community and a champion of educators. Book-lovers and readers of all ages frequent the largest independent and used bookstore for good reason. Early childhood educators are no exception. We seek out a variety of topics including child development, early language and literacy, early math and science, progressive curriculum practices, child guidance and observation, parent education, nature education, and special needs in addition to a host of quality children's picture books. We are book lovers and rely on these publications to do our best work.

We appreciate that Powell's currently support the work of K-12 educators by providing this discount. Early childhood teachers take on similarly important work to that of K-12 educators, often on an even more limited budget. Indeed, many argue that the foundational work of early childhood educators lays the tracks for all future scholastic success. Sadly, the funding and recognition of our work lags far behind that of elementary and secondary education. As a leader in the community, Powell's is in a unique position to support our work and the young children we serve. Your decision to include early childhood educators in the Educators of Oregon Discount will help give visibility and credence to our important work.

Thank you for taking this step to to help foster the next generation of readers.