My journey as an early childhood educator over the last 8 years, combined with my experience as a parent to three young sons aged 7, 5, and 4, has put me face to face with the trials of inadequacy in our childcare and early learning system. I have lived and worked in Vance, Wake, and Franklin counties, but it is clear that this is not a local issue, it's a national dilemma that urgently requires attention.

Our children are the future of our nation. We need to ensure their growth and development are not overlooked. As of today, the lack of childcare and early learning facilities is euphemistically referred to as a "childcare desert." According to the Center for American Progress, an estimated half of Americans live in regions with an inadequate supply of licensed childcare providers (2018).

It is time for us all, as concerned citizens, to make a stand. We are asking the federal government and President Trump himself to pay due and immediate heed to childcare and early learning. This is not just about the future of our children, but the future of our nation. Please join me in advocating for a stronger, better-resourced, and more attentive approach to early childhood care and education. Sign our petition today.