Sharing Web Resources

The organization I selected is: 

National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies

Their link is: http://www.naccrra.org/

(Newsletter:  http://capwiz.com/naccrra/mlm/signup/)

Brief Description:  NACCRRA is a nonprofit organization that speaks for childcare.  Their goal is to make sure that children have access to high-quality, affordable childcare.  They represent over 750 state and local Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs) by providing training, resources, and best practice standards to local and state CCR&Rs that support high-quality childcare.  They also provide the families with information and resources on childcare and parenting by connecting the families to local CCR&R resources.

Current Issue from the newsletter:

Despite Weak Economy, Child Care Costs Continue to Rise

According to the newsletter released by the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA), on August 24, 2011, the cost of childcare continues to increase.  Parents are struggling to afford quality care for their children.  The report revealed that the average annual cost for center-based care for infant care was higher than a year’s tuition and related fees at a four-year public college.  Childcare is very important for working families.  Parents want to know that their child is safe and also in a safe childcare setting that promote healthy development and learning.  However, “In the United States, more than 11 million children under age 5 are in childcare each week and although childcare costs are high, most states have inadequate requirements for the quality of care.”

The federal Child Care and Development Block Grant provides funds to states to help make childcare more affordable for families; however, it is not mandated that funds be used to pay for licensed care.   In these unlicensed care facilities they are not required to meet state health and safety standards, providers are not required to be trained and the settings are not inspected.  And, on a national average more than 20 percent of children who receive assistance from this grant are in unlicensed settings.  There should be more responsibility and accountability for quality childcare when the government is providing funds.

                                                                         Reference

Http://capwiz.com/naccrra/mlm/signup/