SERINO AND CHILDCARE COUNCIL CALL FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO SUPPORT PROVIDERS AND FAMILIES

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and the Childcare Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc. are urging state lawmakers to address critical challenges facing childcare providers in Dutchess County. In a recent letter sent to State Representatives, Serino and the Childcare Council called for legislative solutions to improve accessibility and quality of childcare services that are vital for families and the local economy.

“Access to quality child care is essential for working families, yet too many providers face unnecessary roadblocks that make it harder to do their jobs,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “As a former child care provider and single mother, I know firsthand how important it is to have a system that truly supports parents, children and providers alike. By expanding workforce flexibility, streamlining processes, and ensuring the safety of childcare options, we can strengthen childcare options for families while making it easier for those who dedicate themselves to this vital work.”

In a letter to State Representatives, they outlined the following critical issues:

• Substitute Pool for Childcare Providers – Current requirements for substitutes separately cleared by OCFS for each location create delays and administrative burdens. Serino and the Childcare Council are advocating for a system allowing substitutes to register with local Departments of Social Services, streamlining the process for multiple locations.
• Home-Based Childcare Provider Relocation Flexibility – Providers who move homes face lengthy re-registration, deterring continued service. Streamlining the process for location transfers would eliminate this barrier.
• Staffing Challenges – Inconsistent funding and no financial assistance during low enrollment periods make it difficult to retain staff. Serino and the Childcare Council are advocating for a dedicated funding stream to help providers during downturns.
• Duplicative Background Checks – Childcare workers often undergo duplicative fingerprinting even if already completed for other positions. Serino and the Council urge integration of background checks to reduce delays.

“Childcare is the backbone of our workforce and economy,” said Jeanne Wagner, Executive Director of the Childcare Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc. “Providers are struggling and families are feeling the impact. We need legislative action that prioritizes solutions, removes red tape, and makes it easier for people to open and maintain childcare programs.”

To read a copy of the letter sent, click here.

Recent findings from the New York State Comptroller’s office have highlighted the critical state of childcare across New York, with high prices and insufficient slots in many areas. In Dutchess County, 51% of census tracts are considered childcare deserts, with 3.7 children under six for every available childcare slot. The cost of center-based care for one infant can consume up to 10.9% of the median family income in the in the county, further exacerbating the financial strain on working families.

For more information on the Childcare Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc., click here.