Rep. Diaz, Sen. DiMario host 13th annual Child Care Awareness Day

STATE HOUSE — After years of virtual programs, Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) and Sen. Alana DiMario (D-Dist. 36, North Kingstown, Narragansett, New Shoreham), co-chairwomen of the Permanent Legislative Commission on Child Care, celebrated Child Care Awareness and Early Care and Education Advocacy Day at the State House Tuesday.

Child Care Day is an opportunity for child care advocates to highlight various organizations in the state that work to improve the lives of children, youth and families. The event began with a Strolling Thunder gathering in the north courtyard of the State House. Strolling Thunder is a march of parents with their infants to mirror the child advocacy march that will take place in Washington, D.C. on June 21.

This year, the child care stakeholders are gathering to push for policies and funding that address the challenges faced by parents of young children in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, including the need to have adequate child care that is healthy, safe and high quality. This year, advocates are pushing for passage of the Early Educator Investment Act and the Child Care is Essential Act.

The event began at 2 p.m. as Representative Diaz and Senator DiMario welcomed guests to the State House. Lisa Hildebrand, executive director of the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children, gave opening remarks about the policy priorities of Right from the Start, a legislative and budget campaign to advance state policies for young children and their families in Rhode Island.

Participants were then welcomed inside for a speaking program in the rotunda, the opportunity to meet with legislators, and families and children were provided with a play space donated by Lakeshore Early Learning and the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children.