Mindy Moffitt is a dedicated early childhood education provider and advocate from Perryville in Southeast Missouri. She has spent years working directly with young children, witnessing both their growth and the challenges families face. Her passion for advocacy grew from that experience, leading her to use her voice to strengthen Missouri’s child care system through her work as a Kids Win Missouri Provider Fellow. Read more about Mindy here!
How did you become an advocate for early childhood education?
I became an advocate for early childhood education because I’ve seen how important the early years are for children and their families. Working with young children has shown me both the joy of their growth and the challenges that families and educators face. I knew I wanted to use my voice and experience to support quality education, resources, and opportunities so that every child has the best possible start to their learning journey.
Why do you think it’s important to be an advocate as a provider?
It’s important to be an advocate as a provider because we see firsthand what our children and families need every single day. We know the challenges early childhood faces, such as access to resources, affordable care, and support for our educators. We can bring awareness to those needs by speaking up. We as providers, not only support the children in our care but also help improve the overall system for all families and providers.
Why should Missouri invest more in child care and early education?
Missouri should invest more in childcare and early education because it is essential and benefits everyone. Right now, childcare is getting too expensive, hard to find, and especially limited for infants and toddlers. These gaps can cost Missouri billions of dollars a year in lost productivity and tax revenue. Investing now saves money in the long run and helps ensure children, families, and the community thrive.
In one sentence, what does the ideal child care and early education system look like for Missouri families?
An ideal childcare and early education system in Missouri is affordable, high-quality, and accessible to every family, all while providing safe, nurturing care that supports children’s development while allowing parents to work and families to thrive.
What is one thing you’ve learned about advocacy that you’d like to share with others?
One thing I’ve learned about advocacy is that even small actions, such as sharing your story or speaking up for children and families, can create a ripple effect and lead to meaningful change.