Public Policy and Advocacy Update
Government Funding
Child care continues to struggle in the U.S. While the child care workforce has seen some growth in wages, vacancies and turnover remain high, making a demanding profession that much more difficult for those who remain.
NEW YORK STATE
- An effort to secure $1.2 billion for the child care workforce compensation fund failed. The Governor’s original proposal of $280 mil, federal funding that was unspent from the prior year, was all that remained in the final budget. The workforce grants will thus be smaller this year than in previous years at a time when workforce shortages plague the sector.
- State dollars will be used to maintain expansion of the Child Care Assistance Program, as federal funding comes to an end.
- Providers serving families with early morning, evening and weekend hours will be eligible for a rate increase.
- A pilot program offering financial assistance to working families otherwise barred from CCA due to immigration status was refunded with a small increase.
- The child care resource and referral network and its infant toddler mental health programs received an increase in funding.
- A feasibility study on universal afterschool statewide has been funded.
click here.click here.click here.Westchester County
In its 2024 budget, Westchester County again distinguished itself in the state by continuing to fund the Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship Program. With Child Care Assistance eligibility rising to 85% SMI (roughly 350% FPL), Westchester Works income eligibility was increased to 500% FPL. For info on Westchester Works click here.
United States
A $1 billion increase has been approved for child care and Head Start. While any increase is good news, the need is far greater. The United States investment of public funding in early learning continues to lag that of every industrialized nation.
YOU can help TO BUILD THE CHILD CARE SYSTEM WE NEED!
We believe that more parent/caregiver voices calling for greater child care funding could be such a powerful force! The Council’s Parent Advisory Council is looking for members who care about children getting off to the best possible start, families being able to work without worry about their children, and a child care workforce that is compensated like the valuable professionals they are. So join the Parent Advisory Council. For more info click here or contact Executive Director Kathy Halas.
If you are not a member of the Empire State Campaign for Child Care (ESCCC), an increasingly robust and vocal group of child care advocates, parents, and early childhood professionals, etc., sign up today. The Council has been an active participant in the Campaign since its inception and we urge everyone to get involved.
To talk about available opportunities, or to sign up for our Advocacy Alerts, contact Executive Director Kathy Halas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1-914-761-3456 x 102.
keeping up with child care in the news
To view the report that documented the need for the Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship Program, Access to Child Care: The Key to Economic Recovery in Westchester Click here
You can also take another look at Sen. Jabari Brisport's report on his child care listening tour last year or his bill, the "Universal Child Care Act." You can view both here.
If you are not a member of the Empire State Campaign for Child Care (ESCCC), an increasingly robust and vocal group of child care advocates, parents, and early childhood professionals, etc., sign up today. The Council has been an active participant in the Campaign since its inception and we urge everyone to get involved.
To talk about available opportunities, or to sign up for our Advocacy Alerts, contact Executive Director Kathy Halas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1-914-761-3456 x 102.
