Building a High-Quality Child Care and Early Learning Infrastructure for New York City. From Crisis to Opportunity: A Policy Agenda for an Equitable NYC

For children, the earliest years are critical for healthy brain development and lay the groundwork for future educational achievement, economic productivity, and lifelong health. Equitable access to affordable, high-quality, and culturally responsive child care and early learning opportunities can b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCentury Foundation
Main Authors Kashen, Julie, Toribio, Loris, Vadehra, Emma, Powell, Chansi, Hackett, Jaylen, Potter, Halley, Park, Nancy, Bartholomew, Ayana
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published Century Foundation 01.07.2021
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Summary:For children, the earliest years are critical for healthy brain development and lay the groundwork for future educational achievement, economic productivity, and lifelong health. Equitable access to affordable, high-quality, and culturally responsive child care and early learning opportunities can be life changing, shaping the trajectories of the youngest New Yorkers and equipping them with a strong foundation from which to grow and excel. The benefits of child care also extend to parents. Studies have shown that high-quality child care and early learning programs have a high return on investment for both children and parents. In order to work or participate in educational activities and workforce development that will improve their financial stability, parents need to know their children are in safe, nurturing environments with early educators who are caring and well compensated. Children, in turn, benefit from their parents' and teachers' economic stability. As a result, child care and early learning policies have a significant and overlapping impact on children, their families, and the early educators and child care staff who work in the field. This report is a blueprint for New York City's next mayor, offering recommendations for building a high-quality child care and early learning infrastructure for New York City. [This report was produced with Next100.]