Legislature passes law to support Maine's child care workforce - WGME

AUGUSTA (WGME) -- A new law in Maine is aimed at boosting the state's childcare industry.

The Maine Legislature passed a bill last week from Representative Ryan Fecteau to invest $12 million into ongoing funding to support Maine's child care workforce.

The law would increase pay.

Educators say funding towards early childhood education is critical.

"I want us to do everything we can for families and children like these like my grandchildren all across the state to allow them to stay in Maine and succeed here in Maine," Governor Janet Mills said.

The say the first three years of life is the most active period of brain development.

"It's one of the most plastic periods of the brain so there is a lot going on in there and it's a really important time for children to be supported in that development," Maine Association for the Education of Young Sarah MacLaughlin said.

The bill will supplement the pay of every licensed childcare worker in Maine by about $200 a month.

Fecteau says he's seen far too many teachers leave the industry due to little pay.

"Your work is critical," Fecteau said. "A critical piece of Maine's overall economic health, the wellbeing of our children and the prosperity of Maine's families. Yet, Maine's childcare workforce has reached a tipping point over the last few years."

The additional funding is taxable and lasts for a year although childcare workers are hoping to get it extended.

source: https://wgme.com/news/local/legislature-passes-law-to-support-maines-child-care-workforce

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