Sen. Tammy Duckworth Holds Listening Session for Metro East Child Care Providers and Parents

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois met with Metro East child care providers, families and child care provider leaders from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Early Childhood Center, Brightpoint, Michelle's Place Cahokia Heights, Early Explorations and Early Explorations Too Childcare Centers, Step by Step, Uni-Pres Kindercottage and Riverbend Head Start and Family Services and parents from these centers. The event took place at SIUE's Early Childhood Center on Friday, Feb. 6.

SIUE student parents shared their experience with Sen. Duckworth about how funding for ECC and other regional centers has been crucial to their own academic success.

Megan Peach, a master's degree candidate in public administration, is a student parent whose son is enrolled in the ECC. She said her son was "instantly enamored" with the facility, which offered her instant relief.

"This is the feeling student parents across the country experience when they have access to reliable childcare just minutes from their classrooms," said Peach. "It allows parents to attend class with peace of mind, knowing their children are safe, learning and cared for. As a parent, there was nothing more reassuring."

Photos by Howard Ash