The following statement regarding the introduction of the Universal Child Care and Early Learning Act of 2019 should be attributed to Myra Jones-Taylor, Chief Policy Officer, ZERO TO THREE:
“Quality child care feeds a baby’s growing brain, supporting healthy emotional and cognitive development and helping babies grow into strong learners and successful adults. But despite the crucial role that high-quality care plays in preparing children for school and life, it is incredibly hard to find and afford for most families, particularly those with babies and toddlers.
“ZERO TO THREE applauds Senator Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Haaland (D-N.M.) for introducing the Universal Child Care and Early Learning Act of 2019, bringing this critical issue to the forefront of the national discussion and increasing the drumbeat for solving the child care crisis for working families across the country. Currently, only 4.2 percent of infants and toddlers from families with low- and moderate-incomes receive direct assistance for child care from federal programs in partnership with states. The Universal Child Care and Early Learning Act recognizes that all families, regardless of income, need support to access and afford high-quality child care and would help ensure that no family pays more than they can afford.
“This legislation also acknowledges the importance of a highly-trained, qualified and diverse workforce by proposing training and educational supports, while ensuring that early childhood educators are paid at a rate comparable to other educators with similar qualifications and responsibilities.
“ZERO TO THREE looks forward to working with Congress to shine a spotlight on this important issue and advance solutions that will ensure all babies and families have access to affordable, quality child care.”
About ZERO TO THREE
ZERO TO THREE works to ensure all babies and toddlers benefit from the family and community connections critical to their well-being and development. Since 1977, the organization has advanced the proven power of nurturing relationships by transforming the science of early childhood into helpful resources, practical tools and responsive policies for millions of parents, professionals and policymakers. For more information, and to learn how to become a ZERO TO THREE member, please visit zerotothree.org, facebook.com/zerotothree, or follow @zerotothree on Twitter.
