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Access to Affordable, High Quality Child Care
11/16/2011 4:42:15 PM
The importance of child care and child care subsidies to the local economy, and in the long-term, the economic development of the region and NYS cannot be overstated. Child care is economic development! Child care subsidies support child care businesses! Child care subsidies strengthen a family’s opportunity to advance economically. Child care and child care subsidies support workforce development and stability. Child care is a critical social infrastructure necessary for economic development.
Quality child care allows parents to work and focus on their job. It allows children to learn and grow in safe, learning environments. It fosters small business growth and development.
Studies have shown that access to child care enhances the composition of the workforce by allowing parents (or guardians) to remain in the workforce (employee retention), access workforce development opportunities, reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, reduce stress related health issues, and, in general, improve customer service and the business environment. However, the cost of quality child care can be prohibitive for families. In 2011, a family of four with two working adults and two preschool children, living in Albany County, New York, with an annual gross income of $44,700 (200% of FPL) would pay an average of $424 a week ($22,048 annually) for two slots in a licensed child care center (see NYS OCFS 2011-2012 Market Rates). This leaves the family a gross income of less than $22,652 for living expenses. The Workforce Development Institute’s Child Care Subsidy Facilitated Enrollment program supports families, workforce development and the regional economy.
Quality, accessible, affordable child care for infants, preschoolers and school age children is essential if parents are to be able to work the necessary hours, improve their skills, and perform their jobs without undue absence or lateness.
Workforce Development Institute Child Care Subsidy Facilitated Enrollment families say it best!
• “Without subsidy, day care expenses wouldn’t be as manageable and being able to provide a home would be nearly impossible. “
• “Having quality child care allows me to keep my job and have peace of mind that my children are taken care of by quality staff.”
• “After maternity leave, I was able to continue working the same hours and thus securing my position with this company. Without it I couldn’t afford to work.”
• “I was able to go from part time to full time.”
• “I would have lost my job and went in debt; it would have turned my life in a direction I didn’t want to be in.”
• “I was able to take a permanent job with a higher salary that was too high for DSS. I would have had to remain at my lower paying job so that I could keep assistance through DSS.”
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