New York's Child Care Crisis: A Hidden Hurdle for Families

New York's child care system is in dire need of an overhaul. The current situation is pushing many families to leave the state, and it's not just about the money. It's about the lack of access to quality, affordable child care for all. Right now, only a tiny fraction of 3-year-olds and less than half of 4-year-olds outside of New York City have access to free preschool. This is a huge problem, especially in places like Long Island and the Hudson Valley, where thousands of kids are left without preschool options. The cost of child care is a major burden for working families. Parents are shelling out at least $20, 000 per child each year for preschool. Even with this massive expense, finding a spot for their kids is not guaranteed. Many families are stuck in child care deserts, where there aren't enough providers to meet the demand.The system is also failing child care workers. Preschool teachers, who are mostly women of color, are paid so little that they can't even afford to send their own kids to the daycares they work at. This is a labor issue that needs to be addressed. Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed her commitment to universal child care. To make this a reality, there needs to be a statewide requirement for all school districts to offer 3-K and pre-K. Additionally, increasing funding for preschool and investing in preschool infrastructure can save families billions annually. Universal child care is not just about helping families. It's about strengthening communities and boosting the local economy. When families can afford to stay in their hometowns, they support local businesses and contribute to the community. It's time for New York to step up and address this crisis. Families are being pushed out of the state, and the current system is not sustainable. It's time to make child care accessible and affordable for all New Yorkers.