Parents in Vermont and throughout our country are struggling to find high-quality and affordable day care, especially in rural areas. Without decent child care options, the very idea of economic opportunity is an illusion, as many parents cannot join the workforce or continue their education. And yet, fully three out of four parents in Vermont say they cannot find or cannot afford child care. It is long past time to join much of the rest of the world and provide universal access to high-quality and affordable child care. Taking care of children and providing options for parents must be one of our very top priorities as a nation. And to do that, we need a well-trained and well-paid child care workforce.