The quality of New York's child care is generally high, but complicated regulations are making it tough for providers and the high cost makes it a struggle for many parents.
That's the take of those who work in child care who spoke at a hearing Friday that drew about 35 people to Syracuse City Hall. It was the first of several hearings the state Assembly committees on labor, social services and children and families planned throughout the state with an aim to improve New York's child-care system.
Chris Vogelsang, deputy superintendent of the Syracuse City School District and the district's former early education director, said quality child care is vital in Syracuse. Without it, the district's children 80 percent of whom live in poverty start school with a disadvantage that can follow them through their school career.
"Right now, kids come to us so far behind it is hard to have them catch up," said Vogelsang, referring to children entering kindergarten. "We need to look at the kids, and value the kids, and value these people who look after the kids."
Child care workers and state officials spoke about the low pay child care workers receive, which is generally not much more than minimum wage.
They also discussed New York's child care costs, which are among the least affordable in the nation, according to a study released this week by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. The association also has ranked New York as having one of the best child care systems in the United States.