(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the Child Care and Resources Education Act of 2012 (Child CARE Act), which would support a national toll-free hotline and website for parents to get information on high-quality child care in their local communities. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) cosponsored the legislation.
“As a mom and former preschool teacher, I know that parents are always looking for more information on high-quality child care options in their communities, and this bill will help them get that,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Good local information that’s easily accessible is especially important for military families, whose child care needs change every time there is a deployment or a move to a new community. And high quality child care helps all parents feel confident that their child is safe while they look for work or are on the job.”
“This bill is simple and powerful,” said Senator Barbara Mikulski. “It provides families with a telephone hotline and website to find out about safe, affordable, quality child care options in their area. The investment we make in this resource is modest, but it’s critical. When a parent goes to work or to school they should have peace of mind and know that their little boy or girl is in a safe and healthy environment. The Child CARE Act will help parents find a child care setting that fits their particular needs, economic or otherwise.”
The Child CARE Act would direct at least $1 million per year in existing funding from the Child Care and Development Block Grant to develop and disseminate child care consumer education information for parents and to help families access safe, affordable, and quality child care.
