Early childcare programs set the stage for success in later childhood and in life.
Studies have demonstrated that adults who attended preschool programs
were more likely to have graduated from high school, had committed
fewer crimes, were more likely to hold a job, and had higher earnings,
than adults who did not attend preschool.1
Because there is a vital need for quality childcare programs for infants and toddlers in New York City.
There is an acute shortage of care for children under three. Only 19%
of the children who need care outside their home can be accommodated in
childcare centers and family childcare homes across the city that meets
local and state regulatory standards. Parents struggle daily to provide
reliable quality care options.2
Because childcare programs for children
aged four and above receive a disproportionate share of the
governmental funding in New York City.
Although infants and toddlers represent 20% of the population of
children under 14 in New York City, only 14% of the regulated care
subsidized by the city agencies, Administration for Children’s Services
and the Human Resources Administration, was for children under 3.3
Because improvements in the quality of
training available to early childcare teachers will have a far-reaching
and lasting effect.
Studies document that over half of teachers in early childhood programs in the community plan to remain more than five years.4
Because childcare is expensive and families need help.
Childcare costs are often the single largest expense in a family's
budget. Childcare expenses for a family of four can exceed the cost of
food, rent and taxes. The established market rate for childcare in New
York City is as much as $13,260 for one preschool child. This exceeds
the income of a single minimum wage earner for a year and means a
family of four at the State median income of $54,000 would have to pay
close to 30% of their gross income for child care. 5
HMESF raises awareness of the need to set
our children’s course for educational and social success during their
most important developmental years. HMESF tracks New York City’s
childcare and early educational needs and supports organizations that
fulfill those needs.
Your support is extremely important to help remedy the childcare crisis in New York City. Click here to donate today.
Fundraising proceeds are used to help raise awareness of the need for
quality affordable childcare programs in New York City and to support
programs and initiatives that aim to fill this need.
The Helene Marks Early Start Foundation is not-for-profit organization. Thank you for your donation.