We are so proud to share that AnneMarie Robley, our Port Washington Center Director and Global Initiative Lead, Curriculum Development and Oversight spoke at the inaugural National Summit of Child Care Innovation, a first-of-its-kind event presented in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
At Imagine, we know thatgood care relies on many factors – one of the most essential is empowered and happy staff. Everyday, we work on finding new ways to give more back to our teachers, to support our directors, and to provide increasing opportunities for professional and personal growth of every Imagine staffer.
As you may know, one of the best ways we have found to achieve this is by working towards fulfilling our goal of becoming 100% employee owned. It is not an easy task, but it is something we are proud of and feel could make meaningful change in an industry that lacks resources and options.
This is what she had to say about the experience…
AnneMarie took Center Stage
Last month, I was afforded the opportunity to sit beside some of the most influential people in the care field. I listened to their ideas, heard their pleas for more funding, and discussed opportunities to improve the industry for every staff member and family member. The conversations that took place were not only necessary but eye-opening for even the most experienced audience members. We all agreed…
Both the public and private sectors understand that an investment in childcare is a smart one: increasing corporate success, employee engagement and leading to better family and child outcomes. It’s time for all of us to act on the overwhelming evidence that affordable, high quality child care isn’t a nice to have, it’s a must have.
While the issue at hand is frustrating for many, it was inspiring to collaborate with the diverse voices discussing the childcare crisis and seek solutions around what more we must do as a society to tackle it. I was grateful to have a forum to remind everyone that we need to reach and connect with the front lines of our workforce. As one of the only speakers who represents the in-classroom workers, I knew it was important to emphasize how companies, leaders, and individuals can create an environment where child care staff has a voice in the success of the company and the esteem of the communities they serve.
This is a need I will continue to address. Our staff wants and desires more – more communication, more respect, more opportunities. We need to meet them where they are , hear what is important to them, and use this information to move the needle.
Having an opportunity to speak about Imagine’s Employee Owned model in a room with professionals from all over the child care map was exhilarating. Not only was it an important acknowledgment of what why Imagine’s ethos and mission is so important, but it was a motivator – driving my interest in continuing to advocate for our field and the vital work we do in classrooms, for children and families, and for the staff that help keep them excited about learning, healthy, and happy.
