Editor’s note: This opinion piece is excerpted from testimony offered before the House Human Services Committee by Cathi Ste. Marie, a home child care provider in North Troy.
My name is Cathi Ste. Marie. I own and operate a registered home program in North Troy and have done so for the last decade. I was born in Vermont and have lived in the Northeast Kingdom for 29 years. I stand before you today representing the thousands of women, and a few hundred good men, who are committed to our profession and who are woven deeply into our communities.
At this time, I have 14 children enrolled in my program. In the last 5 years, I have achieved 3 STARS, my CDA, am CPR certified, I actively participate in the Child Care Food Program, and have accumulated well over 200 hours of professional development training, much of which is in specialized services. I am the mother of seven, and because of this, I understand that every child is different.
I have built my program to reflect the quality of care that I would want for my own children. In a perfect world, parents would have the option to stay at home and fully bond with their children, which as we all know, is crucial to early brain development. In today’s economy, parents are forced to work harder and longer, which leaves less time to spend with their children. They entrust the care and development of their children to people like me. This is a huge responsibility, and because of this, I take my profession very seriously.
Not only do we support working parents, we are also preparing the next generation of working Vermonters. We must ensure that children are afforded the highest chance for success.
My colleagues and I work selflessly, with total dedication to the children and families we serve. We are the people with whom parents trust everyday to teach and protect their children. As early educators, we:
- set the foundation for academics for a lifetime of learning,
- are often the first ones to detect behavioral or developmental disabilities,
- prepare children for kindergarten and for other essential social interactions,
- and counsel parents and direct them to services that are needed.
Quality is a small word for a very big thing. Quality envelopes nurturing, teaching, environments, nutrition, specialized services the list goes on. In talking about quality child care, we must, at the same time, have a conversation about the resources it takes to provide that quality. I want to be part of that conversation.
What providers bring to the table is a broad spectrum of services that are provided throughout the state. By allowing those who do the work to be part of the policy decisions, we will see the entire early education system take a giant step forward. Our expertise should not be underestimated.
H.97 will give us the opportunity to be meaningful participants in the discussions about the future of child care in Vermont. For me, that means the future of each child in my care, and their families. You have also been given a huge responsibility. I hope you will join me in supporting H.97.
