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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD
WHEREAS, the first years of a child's life represent the most rapid period of brain development, laying the foundation for future learning; and
WHEREAS, there are 353,032 children from birth through age five in Cook County, including 139,520 living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level; and
WHEREAS, in Fiscal Year 2024, 42,548 children in Cook County participated in the Child Care Assistance Program; and
WHEREAS, participation in high-quality early childhood education and care programs saves taxpayer dollars, enhances family economic stability, and prepares children to succeed in school, earn higher wages, and lead healthier lives; and
WHEREAS, young children need access to developmentally appropriate, high-quality early childhood education that is affordable and locally available in their communities; and
WHEREAS, access to these programs supports child development and helps parents secure and maintain employment; and
WHEREAS, research shows that investing in high-quality early childhood education provides a significant return on investment through long-term social and economic benefits; and
WHEREAS, working families require an adequate supply of affordable, high-quality child care options; and
WHEREAS, early childhood educators need access to comprehensive support services, including infant and early childhood mental health consultation, partnership with Early Intervention therapists, and resources that enhance quality care; and
WHEREAS, care workers remain undervalued and underpaid, and they deserve fair wages to attract and retain a qualified, stable workforce; and
WHEREAS, the quality of early childhood education depends on the expertise of educators who partner with families to foster strong early learning experiences; and
WHEREAS, current tuition from fee-paying parents and public subsidy rates are typically insufficient to support highly qualified early childhood educato...
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