Many teachers priced out of job

I was happy to see The Herald’s Thursday story about child care teachers and directors working together. I have been caring for children for 15 years and now run a child care center in Concrete, serving a rural community in desperate need of quality child care.

Right now the Concrete School District is leasing our center a small portable classroom, because they know that quality child care helps prepare children for school. Parents are so appreciative they are working to build a permanent home for our center.

Yet, I cannot provide affordable health insurance for our teachers, and can only pay $9.50 an hour to one teacher even though she has a master’s degree in education. Most children at my center are paid for through state reimbursements, at rates much lower than what we have to charge private-pay families. Despite their incredible commitment to children, many child care teachers are leaving the profession because they can no longer afford to stay.

We need experienced teachers to give children a good start in life and help them grow into our future leaders. That’s why teachers and directors are forming our union, for a stronger voice to stand up for our communities.

Rose Weaver