ROCHESTER, NY (WROC)— Today is what’s known as Child Care Advocacy Day in Albany. For it, more than 300 people— including parents, providers, and advocates— rallied at the legislative office building, calling for better compensation and a better system for child care in New York State.
“We are looking for increased funding that’s going to support our children, in our state and in our communities,” said Emily Rathbun, a research and policy analyst with The Children’s Agenda.
Rathbun was among the 20 people who joined the group leaving from Rochester. She tells News 8, one of the most pressing issues is a dwindling childcare workforce.
“Add more child care for the families that work,” said Tiffany Howard, an assistant Pre-K teacher “They’re struggling to get daycare for their children.”
That’s why the group’s main ask is for NY to invest $1.2 billion to improve the pay of childcare providers who, they say, earn less than 96% of jobs in the state. If better funded, they argue proper child care would have a positive domino effect on the workforce.