BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - Balancing employee livability with family affordability is the challenge Maine is trying to reconcile when it comes to early childhood programs like daycare and pre-K.

To better investigate the conditions and challenges of early childhood education, Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Cumberland, has been visiting Head Starts, private centers, family care providers and others on her Support Kids, Support Maine statewide tour.

Thursday morning marked her last stop, where Daughtry toured Searsport Elementary School with Gov. Janet Mills and Sen. Chip Curry, D-Waldo.

After speaking directly with parents, educators and providers, Daughtry says the largest issues facing the industry are employee benefits, family affordability and finding all-day coverage for daycares.

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