Telecommunications Terrorism Welfare Reform Policy Position Detail HR-21. The nation's Governors believe in working toward a goal of a seamless child care and early education system that provides a safe, nurturing, and developmentally sound environment for all children.
Governors recognize that parents are children's first and primary nurturers.
Parents have primary responsibility for the care of their children, including financial responsibility, and government and employer policies should support the family as the primary child care unit. Parents should make the choice about what child care, if any, is right for their child. Although parents remain the cornerstone of a child's upbringing, the increased number of parents in the workplace, especially single parents, enforces the need for ensuring appropriate child care and early education for children of all ages. Some states have adopted programs that permit parents to stay home, especially in the early years. Research demonstrates that children need a stimulating and nurturing environment for healthy brain development.