Statement by Secretary Donna E. Shalala on the Newest Study of How Quality Child Care Promotes Bette

HHS News Release

Building on earlier findings of NICHD supported research, we continue to learn that quality matters for children in child care. When a program meets high standards of quality, children do better in school. When a program fails to meet acceptable levels of quality, children fare worse in school. With 10 million pre-school age children in the United States in some form of child care, as a country, we can't afford to risk our children not succeeding in school.

We do have a blueprint for success. President Clinton has proposed an historic initiative that will help answer working parents' questions about child care: Can I find it? Can I afford it? Can I trust it? The administration's budget proposal will provide more resources to states and communities through an Early Learning Fund, to help children get the high quality care they need to succeed at school and to offer parents more reliable choices in care. The nearly $20 billion price tag over five years is a prudent and wise investment that is paid for within the President's balanced budget.

Today, 10 million children are eligible for federal child care subsidies, yet in 1997 only 1.25 million children received support. A study showed that in several states more than half of child care centers were found to be mediocre or of poor quality. We can do better for America's working parents to relieve their stress and dilemma as to whether they have to choose between the job they need and the children they love. The President's plan is sound, affordable and responds to the needs of parents to succeed in work and children to succeed in school. Now it's in the hands of the Congress to exercise reasonable and responsible leadership in support of America's working families.

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Contact: Michael Kharfen, (202) 401-9215