DVAEYC Board, staff and members are absolutely and fundamentally sold on the idea that all children have a right to receive the supports that will unleash their fullest potential. That is why our staff members spend their days working alongside early childhood professionals - transforming classrooms into places that nurture children to be confident learners; helping Directors run strong and stable businesses, assisting child care teachers to enroll in a college program to upgrade their professional credentials; and supporting emerging leaders in finding their voice so we can bend public policy ever closer to meeting the needs of children and families.

We are on a mission and we are always looking for missionaries. That is what we found in Pennsylvania Senator Robert Casey Jr.

If you have ever heard Senator Casey speak about children, then you know that the conviction to support all children comes from deep within him.

• In today's political climate, it is not remarkable to hear a politician talk about family values. But it is remarkable to find a politician who understands the need to connect rhetoric with action. Whether through his support of the extension of the Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) or his persistent defense of federal programs like Head Start, Senator Casey actually puts resources into programs that support children and their families!
• It is not remarkable for a politician to infuse their speech with references to God and the role that faith plays in shaping policy decisions. It is truly unique to find a politician who is committed to both individual and social responsibility - and the consistency this ethic demands.

Senator Casey is the real deal.

• He doesn't just kiss babies during election season - he fights for their right to health care in every season;
• He doesn't just visit child care programs and tell workers to keep up the good work - he has sponsored bills that would give those programs the resources to educate and pay teachers to ensure an excellent early learning system;
• Whether it is fighting for low-income parents who need child care subsidies, setting aside resources to build or repair child care facilities, or guaranteeing that every child has access to a quality preschool program - Senator Casey is a true Champion for Children.