Are you all ready for tomorrow?

At MomsRising, we've been setting up the sparklers, the sprinklers, and the BBQ, but there's one more thing we've all got to do to celebrate our nation's birthday: Rally for babies!

Rallying for babies and toddlers is a great way to celebrate our nation's birthday, July 4th.  Plus, when infants and toddlers get a strong start, our entire nation prospers.

*Take a moment now to celebrate July 4th and rally for babies with a quick click of your mouse! Sign on to the open letter from MomsRising, Zero to Three, and many others, calling for investments in high-quality early learning opportunities for infants and toddlers.

http://action.momsrising.org/sign/Rallybabies/

On this 4th of July we should be celebrating freedom and equality, but too many young children fall behind even before they step into the pre-kindergarten classroom.

68% of moms with kids under the age of six are in the labor force.   Full-time child care for an infant or toddler now costs more than college in many states, and finding affordable, high-quality child care is often an almost impossible task.

Without the chance to participate in high-quality early childhood development and learning programs, gaps can appear early, sometimes even before a child’s first birthday. Kids who start out disadvantaged often stay behind, leading to wide gaps in educational achievement and future income.

There’s a common sense solution: We can invest in high-quality early learning and child development services.  And this is one investment that really pays off.  Leading economists agree that investments in high-quality early learning programs actually save future dollars.

*Learning happens from the start, and so should our investments in children. Take a moment out of your busy holiday to rally for babies here:

http://action.momsrising.org/sign/Rallybabies/

Have a great 4th of July!

P.S. After you sign the open letter, put this great event on your calendar!

Join us online July 8, 2013, 2:00 – 2:30PM (EST) for a virtual Rally for Babies, including a Google Hangout. Soledad O’Brien, award-winning journalist and CEO of Starfish Media Group will host Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Secretary Arne Duncan, U.S. Department of Education and actor Jennifer Garner as they discuss the need for affordable, high-quality early learning opportunities in our nation. Learn more at Rally4Babies.org

P.S.  Huge thanks to Zero to Three and the Start Strong for Children Coalition for all the work they do on this issue!