Childcare Providers & Parents Rally To Demand Program Funding Be Restored & Investigation Into Daycare Crisis

ROCHESTER, NY (09/15/2008)(readMedia)-- VOICE/CSEA Providers, parents and childcare advocates will rally in front of the Monroe County Legislature (39 W. Main St., Rochester) on Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 at 6:00PM. Childcare providers and parents of children who received subsidies prior to Maggie Brooks’ cuts in family eligibility want to know why 961 children in Monroe County will no longer be able to receive quality childcare. Providers, parents and community activists will also present a petition signed by hundreds of community members demanding change now.

“I had to quit my $9 an hour job that I held for over eight months because I cannot find affordable childcare for my 2 year old son” said 22-year-old Latrice Purdie. “I am trying to earn a living but I want my son left with someone who I can trust and give quality care.”

On September 1st Brooks cut funding of subsidies to eligible families who were earning 165% of federal earnings guidelines and lowered that level to 125%. This means that anyone who makes more than $8.75 an hour will not be eligible for childcare subsidies.

“The County should be ashamed. Not only are the children losing out on quality childcare, but hardworking professional childcare providers will have to close their doors soon because parents who receive subsidies are a significant percentage of our client base. If these providers close their doors, parents face even bigger challenges. This is a crisis for our community,” said Marion Hunt-Robinson who has been a daycare provider for 17 years.

The County made these cuts even after New York State revealed that Monroe County had rolled over or failed to spend $5.8 million over the last three years that should have gone to children in need of quality childcare. Parents and advocates believe that even after a $2 million state budget cut to the program, $4 million unspent funds should have been available to the County to avert this childcare crisis.

Childcare provider Sharon Gambotto adds, “We form relationships with children as we care for them and it is devastating for parents to tell children that they will no longer see their longtime provider because the County stopped helping. The choice that these parents face is impossible, stay at home or seek dangerous and possibly illegal childcare. These are our children and they deserve better.”

Childcare providers formed their union, VOICE/CSEA to improve childcare in New York State. VOICE/CSEA providers advocate for fair and consistent regulation and enforcement, timely and accurate payments and respect for their profession. Affordable, quality childcare is the number one concern for working parents and families.

- 30 -