§ 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.