STATEMENT OF POSITION ON CHILDCARE FOR MANHATTAN (printed in the March 1998 VOTER)
The League of Women Voters of Manhattan/Riley County concurs with the following definition of quality childcare, as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This group accredits childcare programs nationally.
A high quality early childhood program is one that meets the needs of and promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of the children and adults, parents, staff, and administrators who are involved in the program. Each day of a child's life is viewed as leading toward the growth and development of a healthy, intelligent, and contributing member of society.
The LWVM-RC believes that all children, regardless of age, are entitled to quality childcare. To ensure high quality childcare the League supports policies which:
1. Educate and inform families on what constitutes acceptable child care and where to find it in our community;
2. Advocate that childcare workers be paid appropriately so as to attract and hold well-qualified personnel;
3. Encourage local government (School Board, City and County Commissions, Health Board) to cooperate in making available accessible and affordable quality childcare options for children of all ages;
4. Encourage private businesses and business organizations to include good childcare as an essential component of effective community economic development; and
5. Encourage local legislators to treat quality and affordable childcare as vital to community well-being by providing legislation to adequately assist families in meeting their childcare needs, for example subsidies for small businesses to enter into coalitions to provide quality childcare.
The League of Women Voters of Manhattan/Riley County concurs with the following definition of quality childcare, as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This group accredits childcare programs nationally.
A high quality early childhood program is one that meets the needs of and promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of the children and adults, parents, staff, and administrators who are involved in the program. Each day of a child's life is viewed as leading toward the growth and development of a healthy, intelligent, and contributing member of society.
The LWVM-RC believes that all children, regardless of age, are entitled to quality childcare. To ensure high quality childcare the League supports policies which:
1. Educate and inform families on what constitutes acceptable child care and where to find it in our community;
2. Advocate that childcare workers be paid appropriately so as to attract and hold well-qualified personnel;
3. Encourage local government (School Board, City and County Commissions, Health Board) to cooperate in making available accessible and affordable quality childcare options for children of all ages;
4. Encourage private businesses and business organizations to include good childcare as an essential component of effective community economic development; and
5. Encourage local legislators to treat quality and affordable childcare as vital to community well-being by providing legislation to adequately assist families in meeting their childcare needs, for example subsidies for small businesses to enter into coalitions to provide quality childcare.
