I attended Iowa’s First Congressional District debate between Rod Blum and Abby Finkenauer. It was my first debate, and I was excited to hear firsthand from the candidates about issues they cared about. As I listened, I heard important topics like bipartisanship, new trade agreements, and immigration. Unfortunately, I didn’t hear one word from the moderators or candidates on the crucial issue of early childhood education.
A few years back, I was a parent of three children, shoveling out $415 per week in child care so I could work to afford health insurance for my family. Now I’m a preschool teacher of 18 years, watching other parents struggle.