Editor:

I am writing in enthusiastic support for ballot item 7A (creation of a child care special district), which presents this measure as essential to strengthening families, our workforce and the future of our communities.

As an early childhood educator for the past 26 years, I have seen firsthand the lifelong value of high-quality early childhood programming. Research consistently shows that children who attend quality early care and education programs are better prepared for kindergarten, more likely to graduate from high school and more likely to pursue higher education. The return on investment is clear: For every dollar spent on early childhood, taxpayers save an estimated $7 in future costs.

The first five years of a child’s life are critical to development, yet we consistently

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