[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 129 (Thursday, September 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSOCIATION MAKES POSITIVE REFORMS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 1998

  Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I recently had the 
opportunity to hear from the Colorado Child Care Association regarding 
the challenges they are facing during this time of significant change 
to the industry. Increased demand, new research about the importance of 
childhood learning, changing expectations toward the industry, and 
contradictions in government policy are impacting child care businesses 
and the families they serve.
  Recent scientific findings suggest what many of us who are involved 
in education policy have known for some time--early childhood learning 
is critical to intellectual and emotional development. There are 
learning ``windows'' of time for cognitive development and if these 
``windows'' are missed, learning will occur more slowly and with 
difficulty. This research is changing consumers expectations of early 
child care. People are demanding greater quality and the industry is 
responding by providing just that. The industry is moving from 
custodial care to an active, educational approach to child care.
  Unfortunately, several obstacles remain which prevent the industry 
from competitively raising their standards to the level which is deemed 
necessary. Educational care is more expensive than custodial care 
because qualified teachers are needed and they must be compensated for 
their skills. There is a direct correlation between cost and quality 
which consumers must bear in mind when they shop for this service.
  While the public is responding to these changes, public policy is 
slow to keep up. The government's approach to child care is undermining 
efforts to increase quality and availability. Public programs are 
highly fragmented, imposing different standards and different funding 
streams. Bias against taxable entities results in the exclusion of 
quality businesses from providing education to disadvantaged and at-
risk children. The segregation of disadvantaged children from their 
community peers prevents positive interaction.
  Moreover, competition from public entities undermines the viability 
of the private sector. Most child care providers operate with profit 
margins of under four percent. Heavy labor costs for small children are 
offset by the smaller cost of caring for older children. When public 
programs take older children from the private sector, they force 
private businesses to increase the cost of infant and toddler care or 
to go out of business. While private child care is more than adequate 
to provide for the needs of welfare-to-work consumers, liberal 
policymakers continue to push for more public facilities. Low 
reimbursement rates are the only disincentive to providers. Space is 
available.
  Lastly, cognitive gains from public and private early childhood 
learning programs are not maintained in the public schools. By the 
third grade, preschool and Headstart learners have lost their 
advantage. Parents who were once encouraged to be active in their 
child's education through Headstart and other programs, are discouraged 
from participation. High academic standards are reduced.
  Mr. Speaker, the Colorado Child Care Association is dedicated to 
making the positive reforms during this time of changing needs and 
expectations. Congress needs to take up its share by eliminating 
obstacles which are holding back these institutions.
  Additionally, I would like to thank Andre Ransom, Sharon Archer, 
Marilyn Rhodes, Carrier Rivera, Lee and Joan Fetters, Sandy Bright, and 
Larry and Ruth Neal for the time they have spent with me and my staff 
and for their commitment to improving child care in the Fourth District 
of Colorado.

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