[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 46 (Friday, March 29, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S3215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CHILD CARE PROVIDERS WEEK

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, every morning, millions of parents kiss 
their children goodbye as they trade the hat of parent for the hat of 
teacher, police officer, waitress or doctor. When they leave home to 
work, they must leave their precious young ones in the care of someone 
else. Sometimes, parents find a relative. More often, they rely on 
strangers. As a parent myself, I know how difficult it can be to trust 
someone else with the well being of your child. Fortunately, most 
parents have reliable child care providers to depend on. We hear 
occasional horror stories of abuse and mistreatment by child care 
providers, but the majority of child care workers always have the best 
interests of the child at heart. April 21-28 will be the Week of the 
Young Child. During this important week, South Dakota will recognize 
Child Care Provider's Day on April 22. I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize these hard working child care providers who 
support millions of American families each day.
  My State has a claim to fame that most Americans would not guess. 
According to the most recent census data, 71 percent of mothers with 
children under the age of six are working moms. The national average is 
less than 60 percent. This means that reliable, quality child care is 
an issue not just for parents in urban areas. Families in rural States 
must search for adequate child care, too. For families who live in 
remote areas of South Dakota, this may mean driving to the next town to 
find day care services.
  Child care providers do not have an easy task. A child's formative 
years are crucial. Caretakers must provide a stimulating environment 
for growth and learning. They do not merely babysit. Each child must be 
reached individually to develop language, reasoning and motor skills. 
Only a secure and nurturing environment can allow this to happen. In 
creating a home away from home, child care workers are providing 
American families with a very valuable service. For most families, 
success at work and stable home relationships hinge on professional 
child care.
  Congress has been working hard over the last year to reform the 
Federal child care system. I wholeheartedly support efforts to end 
overlap of programs and needless bureaucracy. Child care should be 
affordable, accessible, and reliable. I will continue working in 
Washington to ensure quality child care for all American families.
  Many thanks to the child care workers who daily provide for our 
children. They keep our families and workplaces on track. They should 
receive special recognition during the Week of the Young Child.

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