LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Early
Care and Learning Council

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 35th
Anniversary of the Early Care and Learning Council; and
WHEREAS, For 35 years, the Early Care and Learning Council, New York's
child care resource network, has been a powerful and consistent voice in
New York, working to ensure that all families have access to high quali-
ty, affordable early care and learning opportunities; and
WHEREAS, In 1975, a critical step in implementing the vision of coor-
dinating a New York State early care and education community with common
goals was taken when four child care organizations in Albany, Dutchess
and Westchester counties and New York City, came together to form New
York's first statewide child care coordinating council; this group
became the not-for-profit New York Association of Child Care Councils,
then the New York State Child Care Coordinating Council and is now the
Early Care and Learning Council; and
WHEREAS, The Early Care and Learning Council works to increase the
quality, affordability and capacity of the early care and learning field
and does so through training and technical assistance, data management
and advocacy initiatives; its programs are provided to and in partner-
ship with a network of local child care resource and referral programs
across New York State; and
WHEREAS, The Early Care and Learning Council seeks to develop a system
of quality early childhood care and education that: is available to
every child regardless of income level, cultural background or family
composition; adequately prepares and compensates teachers and providers;
involves all segments of the community in addressing child care needs;
and shares and exchanges information among members, supports their
efforts and promotes common goals and interest; and
WHEREAS, Working to make quality, affordable child care available to
New York's families, the Early Care and Learning Council includes wide
representation from child care providers, parents, businesses, community
organizations, and other individuals; and
WHEREAS, The many notable recent accomplishments of the Early Care and
Learning Council are the: Infant and Toddler Program; Consultant
Services Training Program, Data Services Program, NAPSACC Program, and a
quality rating and improvement system known as QualityStarsNY; and
WHEREAS, From its inception, the Early Care and Learning Council has
also been focused on public policy and education; and
WHEREAS, The occasion of the 35th Anniversary of the Early Care and
Learning Council presents a unique opportunity for this Legislative Body
to recognize and pay tribute to the Early Care and Learning Council; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an organ-
ization of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our atten-
tion, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Early Care and Learning Council;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Early Care and Learning Council.