Local elected officials call for increased support for childcare
Local elected officials gathered Friday at Mount Kisco Child Care Center to call for increased funding and support for childcare programs.
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Local elected officials gathered Friday at Mount Kisco Child Care Center to call for increased funding and support for childcare programs.
Executive Director Dawn Meyerski of the Mount Kisco Child Care Center says that, between low teacher salaries in the field and high tuition, the industry and its future are unsustainable.
Around 200 kids come through the non-profit facility every year.
"This summer, families will be faced with the difficult decision of leaving children at home alone or quitting their jobs to take care of them. Neither is an acceptable option," said Meyerski.
That is partly why state and local legislators are advocating to include $500 million in the proposed 2027 state budget towards supporting workforce development and compensation.
"We're fighting hard for $500 million for workforce development so we can have qualified early childhood educators in the classroom. This is not babysitting. This is not daycare," said State Senator Pete Harckham.
Final figures are still being negotiated in Albany since the state budget is now a month late.
"Imagine a Day Without Child Care" is a national day of action taking place on May 11 to raise awareness of challenges in the childcare industry.
