Early childhood education is a critical part of our education system and yet receives little public investment. Research confirms that early care and education can help prepare children for school and success by fostering their social, intellectual, and physical development. More quality child care is needed in Tompkins County. Many children are cared for in environments that are safe, but provide limited opportunity for learning. The number of licensed providers who are trained to educate young children is vastly insufficient to serve the needs of working families in Tompkins County.
Child care poses a serious financial burden for many families.
Consequently such high costs force many families to turn to alternative, often less reliable forms of care. The shortage of quality child care is a significant economic concern for local businesses. The shortage of quality child care directly affects the ability of employers to maintain a steady and productive workforce. Businesses cannot thrive if they must depend on personnel who have unstable child care arrangements. Parent fees are not sufficient to cover the costs of child care.