§ 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.