[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF FOCUS ON COMMITTED AND UNDERPAID STAFF FOR CHILDREN'S 
                                SAKE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2001

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my 
colleagues Mr. Gilman, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Kildee, Mrs. Morella, Mr. 
Scott, and Mrs. Davis in introducing the FOCUS Act. This legislation 
would be an important step in increasing child care quality for all 
children.
  As we all know, high quality child care can play an important role in 
healthy child development and school-readiness. One of the most 
critical components of quality child care is a stable and qualified 
teaching staff. Yet, child care staff--who have the responsibility of 
helping guide children's development--are among the lowest paid workers 
in America. In 1999, the average hourly wage for a child care provider 
was $7.42, which is approximately $15,430 annually. Moreover, most 
providers do not receive health insurance or paid leave. Academic and 
government studies conclude that low pay is one of the leading causes 
of poor quality child care. The annual turnover rate is about 30 
percent. Low wages keeps qualified providers from remaining in the 
field and deters new providers from entering the field. A report 
released April 29th by the Center for Child Care Workforce and the 
University of California Berkeley found that centers are losing 
qualified staff because of low wages and are forced to hire less 
qualified replacements. The six-year study also found that not only are 
wages extremely low, but they are not keeping pace with cost of living 
increases. States report centers are closing or turning away children 
because they cannot properly staff their programs.
  FOCUS directly addresses the problems low pay creates by providing 
stipends to qualified child care staff based on the level of education. 
This legislation would be a mechanism to assist states increase the pay 
of child care workers and to improve the overall quality of child care. 
The bill would supplement wages by a minimum of $1000 per year for 
providers with child development associate credentials and a minimum of 
$3000 per year for providers with B.A.'s in the area of child 
development. These stipends will help attract new qualified workers to 
the field and increase the retention and skill level of current 
workers. FOCUS also would provide funds for scholarships so that we can 
continue to increase the qualifications of the child care workforce.
  Research on early childhood and brain development clearly 
demonstrates that the experiences children have early in life have a 
decisive, long-lasting impact on their later development and learning. 
We cannot expect children to transition to kindergarten and succeed in 
school if we do not take the necessary steps to provide quality care in 
the years prior to school entry. The average quality of child care is 
far poorer that what it should be in a country as wealthy and committed 
to our children's future as is ours. It is time we work to make quality 
child care for all children a national priority. Mr. Speaker, I urge 
Members of the House to join me and co-sponsor the Focus Act.

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