As adults, it is our job to foster a sense of wonder and inquisitiveness in children so they can grow and become independent thinkers, independent listeners, independent doers.

We're delighted with the significant investment made in the state's budget for children, families, and child care providers. How those funds will be spent is critical and our work continues as we advocate along with our regional partners for better access to child care, stronger child care businesses, and more important priorities.

Hats off to the New York State Legislature and Governor Cuomo for their commitment to investing in children and families in the 2021-2022 budget. We are celebrating this tremendous win and celebrating all of you for your advocacy efforts. Each of us can indeed make a difference!

A New York State budget that prioritizes children is one that will not only benefit the children and their families, it will have positive implications for all of society, including our economic recovery.

Our work on behalf of children, families, and child care providers, has helped us to get through these trying times. It has given us hope for brighter days ahead.

Yale University study shows child care providers who provided care last spring during the pandemic were no more likely to contract COVID-19 than providers whose programs were closed.