A strong start #ForFloridaChildren
Imagine our future when we insist on a strong start for all Florida children...At The Children's Movement of Florida, we know what young children need to thrive: safe, stimulating, and nurturing early learning opportunities; good health care—including early identification and intervention for developmental delays and disabilities; and parents who are support in their workplace and society. These legislative and societal changes support young children and the adults who care for them, building toward a safer, healthier, more prosperous Florida
The Movement is focused on making Florida’s children, especially in their early years, a top priority in our state. We do this by working to promote smart investments and helpful resources for their health, education and care. Here are the steps we hope to take this year.
Strong Results in Early Learning
Children only get one chance to learn the fundamentals correctly. Expand affordable early learning access -- starting at birth -- and hold state-funded programs to age-appropriate standards.
Support parental choice and access by distributing pandemic recovery funds for child care responsibly and equitably across the state.
Celebrate and support early learning educators, including additional compensation for teachers who advance their credentials.
Healthy Children and Healthy Communities
Expand KidCare eligibility and outreach efforts so Florida families have access to more affordable coverage, adequate preventive care, and a medical home.
Get babies off to a strong start by supporting prenatal health care.
Build community resilience, with supports for mental health and positive child development.
Families Matter
Parents are their children's first and most important teacher. Empower families with the tools, services, and resources they need.
Encourage employers to increase access to paid parental leave for mothers and fathers.
Help families be financially independent with policies that eliminate abrupt cuts in child care and family benefits when parents get a raise.
