N.Y. Labor Law § 695-a: Statement of public policy; findings

§ 695-a. Statement of public policy; findings. The legislature

declares that it is the public policy of the state and the purpose of

this act to create a framework for child care providers to secure

representation to help improve the environment in which they work.

The legislature hereby finds child care providers perform an essential

service for working parents and guardians in this state by creating a

safe, educational and enjoyable home-like environment for their

children. Many of New York's children spend a significant part of their

crucial early years of development under the supervision of child care

providers. It is in the best interest of New York state to maintain a

child care delivery system that fosters quality child care options and

compensation, and benefits and working conditions for child care

providers commensurate with the value of the work they perform.

Accordingly child care providers are hereby given the option to

organize themselves and select representatives for the purpose of

discussing with the state the conditions of their employment, the

stability of funding and operations of child care programs and the

expansion of quality child care.