Public Policy
Ensuring vital services to young children & families
Investments in early childhood have both short and long term economic benefits for our state, its families, and current and future workforce. Initiatives dedicated to improving the quality of early care and learning programs, such as QUALITYstarsNY and the Child Care Resource Centers, support the efforts of programs to improve the quality of their services and to give parents the information they need to make a more informed choice.
In many places, child care is hard to find, harder to afford, and of questionable quality. We need to improve the quality of child care so that all children start school ready to learn and are safe while their parents work. Elected officials need to be educated on the importance of quality, affordable child care.
By teaming up with a group of organizations and individuals who share your concern for children and families, you strengthen your position as an advocate. Being part of a coalition will keep you informed of the current policy and program issues in your community and offer you new ways to get involved in the process. Check out the resources to find the many different ways you can stay connected to current issues and get involved to make a difference!
Family Enrichment Network is a member of the Early Care and Learning Council, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Child Care Aware of America (formerly the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies), and the Building Brighter Futures for Broome Coalition and supports their policy agendas.
View the Early Care and Learning Council legislative agenda and resources HERE.
View the Empire State Campaign for Child Care information HERE.
Program Details
Resources - Take Action!
For the latest public policy campaigns visit: Child Care Aware of America or the Early Care and Learning Council.
Child Care Aware Parent Network
Child Care Aware Parent Network was developed as an initiative of the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (Child Care Resource Centers) in order to engage parents in our efforts to actively communicate with legislators to create a national agenda for child care. Parents can help bring child care to the forefront of the nation’s plan and create new perspectives about the priority of children’s issues. As a member, you will receive information on parenting and child care, as well as networking opportunities. Membership is FREE!
https://www.childcareaware.org/families/
Zero To Three Policy Network
The ZERO TO THREE Policy Network promotes good health, strong families, and positive early learning experiences for all infants and toddlers. Join the Zero To Three Policy Network to learn how to impact public policy for infants and toddlers. Membership is FREE!
http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/action-center/
Empire State Campaign for Child Care
Founded in summer 2017, Empire State Campaign for Child Care may be young, but the organizations and individuals who make up our team have decades of experience and expertise in child care, advocacy, and early education.
https://www.empirestatechildcare.org/
Early Care and Learning Council
Join us in advocating for quality, affordable child care for all New York’s families. Sign up to receive news and information on our Parent Central News and Action Center site. This site is focused on the needs of parents, grandparents or anyone involved with raising and/or caring for young children. An easy-to-use tool to immediately connect with lawmakers to express your support for or opposition to budget initiatives, legislation or policies is also available through the Parent Central News and Action Center.
http://www.earlycareandlearning.org
Prevent Child Abuse New York
Prevent Child Abuse New York is the only statewide, nonprofit organization in New York dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. Stay current with the latest in child abuse prevention news and events, and to have a voice in shaping the laws and policies that affect our state's and nation's children and families.
http://www.preventchildabuseny.org
Child Care Aware of America
Child Care Aware of America (formerly NACCRRA) issues public policy reports and data. You can get involved with advocacy campaigns and join the action center.
http://usa.childcareaware.org/
High Cost of Childcare
Child Care Aware of America's 2016 report, Parents and the High Cost of Child Care, summarizes the cost of child care across the country, examines the importance of child care as a workforce support and as an early learning program, and explores the effect of high costs on families' child care options. This year's report continues to expose child care as one of the most significant expenses in a family budget, often exceeding the cost of housing, college tuition, transportation or food.
View the report and other child care resources at http://usa.childcareaware.org/costofcare
Child Care Now
Child Care NOW is a campaign of child care advocates and allies developed by the National Women’s Law Center focused on raising awareness among policymakers and the public about the child care challenges facing America today, including affordability, quality, and provider compensation.
https://nwlc.org/child-care-now-campaign/
Winning Beginning NY
Winning Beginning NY is a statewide coalition working to inform policy makers and the public about the many benefits of early care and learning including home visiting, child care and Pre-K. Family Enrichment Network and the CCR&R are members of Winning Beginning NY.
Advocacy Tips
Need tips for becoming a child care advocate?
Child Care Aware of America can help you be the voice for child care.
Data Reports and Information
Child Care Aware of America works to improve the system of early learning for children by promoting national policies and partnerships that facilitate universal access to quality child care.
Access Child Care Aware of America's public policy reports to get the latest national data available.
To access information on New York State's issues, data, and resources, visit the Early Care and Learning Council.