Clinton, DeLauro to aid child-care workers

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.connpost.com/ci_7218819?source=most_emailed

PETER URBAN [e-mail]
Article Last Updated: 10/18/2007 11:20:45 PM EDT

WASHINGTON — Rep. Rosa DeLauro has teamed with New York Sen. Hillary Clinton in proposing a $200 million annual fund to boost the pay, benefits and training of child-care workers.

At a Capitol Hill press conference Wednesday, the two Democrats said they plan to introduce legislation that would allow states to improve the quality as well as compensation and support for child-care centers and home-based providers through a federal block grant program.

"We all agree that children need good teachers in order to learn and they should receive the highest quality care as early as possible," said DeLauro, D-3.

Clinton said that child-care providers are "underpaid and overwhelmed" earning on average $18,820 a year without health-care insurance or paid sick days. As a result, many are leaving the field entirely and making it more difficult for working families to find quality affordable day care.

"Let's provide the resources to attract good people," Clinton said.

Under the legislation, states will be able to distribute the $200 million to public and private child-care centers and home-based child centers, with a maximum of 30 percent of funding directed to non-center-based providers. Funding can be used toward compensation or benefits for child-care providers, as well as continuing education and training.

FULL story at link.