With a lack of quality, affordable child care still an obstacle for many working families, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today announced the formation of a working group on child care issues in New York State to better understand the challenges faced by working parents.

"Access to affordable child care is critical to parents, mostly mothers, who wish to remain engaged in the workforce," said Silver. "The simple fact is the high cost of child care is a significant impediment to women remaining in the workplace. Expanding the availability of affordable, quality child care will not only enable families to earn more and remain self-sufficient, but it has been proven that quality child care prior to kindergarten is a critical investment in a child's future."

When women lose or cannot afford child care, they are more likely to leave the workplace to care for their children or resort to less than adequate child care. Women who have stable child care are more likely to maintain employment and achieve self-sufficiency. The lack of affordable, accessible, stable and safe child care is a major obstacle to women in the workforce, the effects of which impact not only women but children, families, businesses and the overall economy. According to the National Institutes of Health, every dollar spent on early education for children from low income families generates $4 to $11 in economic benefits over the child's lifetime.

The workgroup will look at challenges women face in obtaining the child care they need. The workgroup will seek feedback from representatives of the child care industry including providers, parents, advocates and evidence-based researchers to explore potential measures for increasing availability and access to child care. The workgroup will gather information from the different regions of the state and explore the following topics:

• availability of child care subsidies;
• varying child care needs based on regional and socioeconomic differences;
• innovative ideas for expanding child care opportunities for working families; and
• needs of the current child care provider system for developing and enhancing services.

The following Assembly members will participate in the workgroup:

• Addie Russell, chair of the Task Force on Women's Issues;
• Donna Lupardo, chair of the Children and Families Committee;
• Michele Titus; chair of the Social Services Committee;
• Carl Heastie; chair of the Labor Committee;
• Catherine Nolan; chair of the Education Committee; and
• Aileen Gunther, chair of the Mental Health Committee.

"Access to child care enables parents to get a job. Safe, quality and affordable care provides parents the peace of mind so they can keep a job and even pursue advancement. With consistent employment and increased financial security comes less stress and more stability at home, fostering an environment in which children can reach their full potential," said Russell.

"We have made great strides in making child care subsidies more available to low-income families through the state budget, but understand that disparities still exist," said Lupardo. "The facts gathered by this workgroup will address systemic issues so that all families have access to affordable and quality child care throughout the state."

"It is essential that working parents have access to quality child care so that they can create a better future for their families," said Titus. "The availability of child care often determines if a single parent can attend school, work or meet any of their other obligations. This workgroup will examine ways we can improve the delivery of child care to low-income families to ensure they achieve economic prosperity and self-sufficiency."

"Quality, affordable child care helps ensure successful outcomes for children and parents alike," said Heastie. "Investigating care offerings in New York, providing resources for families, and prioritizing the care of the next generation of New Yorkers is the laudable goal of this work group. I thank the Speaker for understanding the plight of working parents and directing the resources of the Assembly to this issue."

"One in three children begins kindergarten without basic skills. It is essential that we provide access to quality, affordable child care to ensure our youngest children have a strong and healthy start. It is proven that investing in our children early saves money and improves outcomes," said Nolan.

"Early investment in the care and development of New York's children is an investment in our families," said Gunther. "While specific needs may vary, we can all agree that child care is a fundamental service that deserves our attention. I am pleased to see my colleagues rallying in support of New York's children and working parents."