In a recent news story, azfamily 3TV CBS 5 and Special Projects editor Kristine Harrington reported on the challenges that early learning providers face during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AzAEYC Executive Director Dr. Eric Bucher talked about the urgent need for state and federal investments in childcare. “Over the course of just a few months with the pandemic, we’ve lost tens of thousands of slots for families to be able to access child care. If providers don’t have support and investments now, how can they reopen when the time comes to serve families and their communities?”

Martha Picciao-Mazor, founder and owner of Whiz Kidz Preschool, was also interviewed for this story. “It is not just child care, it is early education. We are building brains. We’re building a foundation for lifelong learning,” said Picciao. “I can tell you that we will not be able to survive if there is not enough funding and backing for us.”