[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         FAIR CARE FOR KIDS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2002

  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, each day an estimated 13 million children, 
including 6 million infants and toddlers, spend some part of their day 
being cared for someone other than their parents. Research shows that 
quality early care and education leads to increased cognitive 
abilities, positive classroom learning behavior, increased likelihood 
of long-term school success, and greater likelihood of long-term 
economic and social self-sufficiency. Childcare centers and family 
childcare homes need to provide care that promotes healthy development. 
Parents need to be able to go to work and have the piece of mind that 
their children are in safe, nurturing environments.
  Childcare is costly. Many families cannot afford childcare. For 
families with young children and a monthly income under $1,200, the 
cost of childcare typically consumes 25 percent of their income.
  On an average monthly basis, more than 1.8 million children, 
nationwide benefit from federal financial assistance for childcare 
through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Social Services 
Block Grant (SSBC), the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) 
and USDA Child and Adult Care Food program. There are more children 
receiving federal childcare help through these programs than through 
Head Start. But, generally, the quality of care is much lower.
  Reimbursement rates, which determine the maximum the State will 
reimburse a childcare provider for the care of a child who receives a 
federal subsidy, are too low to ensure that quality care is accessible 
to all families. Currently, in New Mexico day care providers are being 
reimbursed at lower rates than the current market rate, including 
licensed centers that provide infant care. As a result, many of the 
best childcare setting or even average ones, limit or do not accept 
children who are on assistance.
  Low payment rates directly affect the kind of care children get and 
whether families can find quality childcare in their communities. In 
many instances, low payment rates force child care providers to cut 
corners in ways that lower the quality of care for children, including 
reducing number of staff, and eliminating staff training opportunities.
  If day care providers are not reimbursed at or near the current 
market rate, then the lowest income children are forced to go to the 
most marginal settings. And in some states, parents or grandparents are 
prohibited from making up the difference between the subsidy and the 
fee for higher quality care.
  Children in low quality childcare are more likely to have delayed 
reading and language skills. Parents need access to affordable, quality 
care for their children. Increased payment rates lead to higher quality 
child care as child care providers are able to attract and retain 
qualified staff, provide salary increases and professional training, 
and maintain a safe and healthy environment.
  That is why I am introducing the Fair Care for Kids Act. My bill 
would require that current market rates are paid to day care providers 
who receive federal funding. Market surveys, which identify market 
rates, must be current and that is why they must be updated annually.
  This bill is a step in the right direction for helping our working 
parents. This bill is a step in the right direction to providing 
quality day care to our children.

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