Mass. Unions Pushing Early Educator Legislation

Massachusetts labor unions are pressing lawmakers to approve a bill they say will improve the quality of early education centers.

The groups say the legislation would allow for the creation of a statewide providers' organization. They said that'll help ensure that those working in early educators centers have a stronger voice in policymaking decisions.

The bill has the backing of Massachusetts Teachers Association President Paul Toner and Tom Gosnell, president of the Massachusetts chapter of the American Federation of Teachers.

The bill will be the subject of a public hearing Monday in the Gardner Auditorium at the Statehouse before the Legislature's Committee on Public Service.

The unions say there are about 5,000 early educators, working in nearly 500 centers that have either state-funded contracts or serve children who receive state subsidies.