Public Hearing on Human Services

Policy Associate Jessica Klos Shapiro testified last night in front of the Joint Legislative Public Hearing on 2013-2014 Executive Budget Proposal: Human Services. 

As the New York State government plans for the future, the Early Care & Learning Council urges policy makers to think about including plans to support the development of a quality child care system that will create both short term and long term success for our youngest learners and their families.  During this budget cycle we urge the legislature to:

• Restore funding for Child Care Resource and Referral services

Child care is an infrastructure support for children, for families and for communities.  Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs) are the key to the child care service system.

• Invest in QUALITYstarsNY

QUALITYstarsNY is designed to acknowledge programs that demonstrate quality above and beyond meeting New York State's strong regulatory standards and develop a plan for improvement for all participating programs to reach the highest standards. While New York has developed QUALITYstarsNY, the program has not been implemented statewide due to the lack of state funding.

• Increase funding for Child Care Subsidies

Child care can account for up to 50% of the family budget, outpacing even rent or mortgage.  New York State continues to fall short in meeting the need for financial assistance with child care, with tens of thousands of income-eligible families on the waiting list for subsidies. 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL TESTIMONY.