Child Care in a Time of Suburban Fiscal Crisis

The Child Care Council of Suffolk (CCCS) was pleased to participate in the Child Care in a Time of Suburban Fiscal Crisis Legislative Summit, which was presented by the Suffolk County Child Care Commission at Suffolk County Community College, Brentwood, New York. CCCS Associate Executive Director Jennifer Rojas presented an update on the “Federal/State Budget and Economic Implications” as well as moderated a Facilitated Conversation focusing on:

●What are the next steps for child care?

●What do we want to happen tangible/actionable items?

●How do we make it happen?

●How can you become involved in a concrete, tangible way?

●What is the cost of our not acting?

Suffolk County Legislator and Suffolk County Child Care Commission Chairperson Monica R. Martinez provided the opening remarks for the Legislative Summit, which featured a keynote address by New York State Assemblywoman Ellen C. Jaffee, 97th Assembly District. As chair of the Committee on Children and Families, Assemblywoman Jaffee’s priorities include ensuring that every family has access to safe, high-quality, affordable child care, early childhood education, the well-being of children and youth in foster and kinship care and securing funds so that communities have the resources, services and programs they need to support our most vulnerable.

The Summit was highlighted by distinguished panelists: U.S. Congressman Peter King, New York State Senator Phil Boyle, New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn and Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy who responded to a series of questions from Legislator Martinez and audience members. Suffolk County Legislator Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory and Assistant Deputy County Executive for Public Information Vanessa Baird-Streeter also addressed the County’s needs and opportunities with respect to safe, quality child care and early childhood education.

Photo Captions: (top row, l to r) Child Care Council of Suffolk Associate Executive Director Jennifer Rojas, Suffolk County Legislator and Suffolk County Child Care Commission Chairperson Monica R. Martinez, New York State Senator Phil Boyle, New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre; (bottom row, l to r) Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy and U.S. Congressman Peter King participate in "Child Care in a Time of Suburban Fiscal Crisis” Legislative Summit.

About the Child Care Council of Suffolk

Child Care Council of Suffolk, Inc., is the not-for-profit planning and coordinating agency dedicated to making child care work for all of Suffolk County’s diverse communities. Through advocacy, education and resource and referral, the Council takes a leadership role in supporting children, families, providers, employers and the public to ensure that quality child care takes its place as an integral part of society.