AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Child Care for Working Families Act

WASHINGTON—Statement of American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on the introduction of the Child Care for Working Families Act in Congress today:

“Funding in our future starts with early childhood education and care. Today, in 33 states, it costs more to send a child to a child care program than it does to send a child to an in-state public college. Far too many working families are spending their entire paychecks, or close to it, on child care. 

“The Child Care for Working Families Act responds directly to this need with public investments in early education to make it a more affordable reality. It expands preschool programs so that every kid in this country has a shot at success before setting foot in kindergarten, and it creates a stronger career path for early childhood educators. I thank Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) for recognizing that educating and caring for our kids starts at birth.”