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In this newsletter:
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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: Imagine a Day Without Child Care 2026, Media Briefing, NYC Movie Screening, and more!
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UPCOMING: "Make a Circle" Documentary Screening at Buffalo History Museum 6/10
- Current ESCCC Policy Priorities for May 2026
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STAY INVOLVED AND TAKE ACTION: Upcoming drop-in office hours + committee invite
- ESCCC in the News
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Dear Empire State Campaign for Child Care members,
New York State's budget is now more than 50 days overdue - the longest budget delay in the state since 2010 - and we know many of you are feeling the weight of that uncertainty. The families, early childhood educators, and child care staff at the heart of this campaign have been waiting, advocating, and holding on through uncertainty that no budget should create. Every day this budget is late has real consequences and we are with you in your frustration.
But our work doesn't stop here and we know what the members of this campaign are capable of.
The Empire State Campaign for Child Care was founded on the core belief that New York can and must do better. Let us be clear: delays don't diminish that vision - if anything, it deepens our determination. We continue to push New York's lawmakers toward a system where child care is treated as a public good, rather than a private family burden. We have and will keep showing up, speaking out, and building the pressure necessary to make this budget a positive turning point for families across the state.
Universal child care in New York is not a distant dream, it is a policy choice. The path to universal child care runs through moments exactly like this one, when the work gets harder and the stakes feel higher. That is precisely when this community has always shown up. We are grateful for your persistence, and we thank you for standing with us.
Read below for more details on the campaign's latest efforts.
| | Event Highlights from April and May 2026 | | |
They say it "takes a village" and universal child care is no exception. The momentum speaks for itself!
Here's what's been happening across the campaign:
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📅 On April 23rd, the campaign hosted a statewide reporter briefing focused on child care funding and compensation for the child care workforce. Parents and child care providers from across New York State discussed their experiences with disruptions in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and the need for policymakers to establish a permanent workforce compensation fund for early childhood educators.
The briefing highlighted unique challenges and opportunities across the state, including child care waitlists that are leaving families without options and pilot programs that are exploring expanded models for care delivery. Members of the media heard directly about what is working, where gaps remain, and what legislative action could mean for the early childhood workforce and the families they serve in this year's budget.
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📅 On May 11th, over 1,000 child care providers nationwide close their doors for Imagine a Day Without Child Care, a day of action shining a spotlight on the essential role child care plays in the lives of families and communities everywhere.
ESCCC was proud to co-sponsor ECE on the Move's rally in New York City, lending our voices to a united day of powerful testimony and collective energy alongside parents, providers, advocates, and legislators.
Our campaign members also showed up to join Steering Committee member Janna Rodriguez's event in Freeport, bringing that same energy and urgency to Long Island.
Together, these two events were a powerful reminder that the fight for universal child care is happening everywhere - and that New York is poised to lead the way.
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📅 On May 13th, campaign leaders Dede Hill and Pete Nabozny joined lawmakers to discuss the Child Care Assistance Reform Act (A-10494/S-9529). This is newly introduced legislation that would shift administration of the Child Care Assistance Program from the 57 counties outside of New York City to the State to create greater equity and efficiency in CCAP, and begin to create the infrastructure for delivering statewide universal child care in New York.
The campaign is working with the bill sponsors, Senator April Baskin and Assemblymember Sarah Clark, to advance this legislation.
| | Photo Credit | Gladys Jones | | |
📅 On May 20th, members of the campaign joined the Center for New York City Affairs, Firelight Media, and Wiggle Room for a special screening of Through the Night and a celebration of the vibrant Family Child Care (FCC) community in New York City.
Providers, local policymakers, advocates, and parents joined award-winning filmmaker Loira Limbal who hosted a special screening of Through the Night, her documentary about a 24-hour family child care program in New York. This screening was followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker and special guests - including ESCCC Steering Committee co-chair Shanita Bowen and ESCCC member Jaime-Jin Lewis!
This film demonstrated the power of the family child care provider community and helped make the case for how NYC can center these dedicated professionals in the roll-out of universal child care.
| | Make a Circle Documentary Screening at Buffalo History Museum | | |
On Wednesday, June 10th, the New York Association for the Education of Young Children (NYAEYC) will be hosting a one-hour screening at the Buffalo History Museum of Make a Circle - a love letter to early educators and a rallying cry for a child care system in crisis.
The film follows a group of child care educators who are determined to change how society values the education of its youngest citizens, weaving together the magic they create in the classroom, the struggles they endure at home, and their tireless activism for their profession.
After the screening, join the panelists - campaign member Diane Abram, Joe Cozzo, campaign member Sheri Scavone, and Cheryl Williams-Manney - for a moderated discussion led by Liftoff WNY's Rachel Bonsignore.
Dinner begins at 5:30 PM. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!
| | Current Policy Priorities for May 2026 | |
The campaign released its updated 2026 Policy Priorities. We are fervently committed to advocating for a high quality, culturally inclusive, and robustly funded child care system that meets the needs of all families - regardless of income, immigration status, or work schedule.
We continue to call on New York leaders to make significant, sustained, and strategic investments in child care.
| | Monthly Drop-In Office Hours + Join a Committee | |
We welcome you to join us Friday, May 29th from 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM for our monthly virtual Zoom drop-in meeting and new member orientation. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions, refresh on our priorities, and learn more about the ongoing advocacy work the Empire State Campaign for Child Care is doing across New York State.
We encourage you to attend and all are welcome! (registration not required). A Zoom link will be shared Friday afternoon before the meeting.
Please email empirestatechildcare@scaany.org if you have any questions.
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The child care movement is building traction more every day - and there's never been a better time to get more involved with our work! Our committees are fueled by passionate people just like you and we'd love to have you at the table.
Now is a great time to plug in, deepen your impact, connect with fellow advocates, and make your voice heard where it counts most. Whether you're passionate about policy, communications, or organizing and outreach, there's a place for you!
Find the committee that fits your strengths and join us today.
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Members of the campaign have been speaking to reporters across the state about the opportunity we have in New York State to achieve our vision of universal child care. Check out some recent publications below:
Interested in writing your own Letter to the Editor? Check out our LTE Toolkit!
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The progress we have made would not have been possible without all of you.
Thank you for being part of this movement and for your continued commitment to building a stronger child care system for all New York families.
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