Designating The Month Of September 2022 As Child Care Provider Appreciation Month.
The resolution serves not only to honor child care providers but also raises awareness about the socioeconomic challenges they face. It points out that many families in Hawaii dedicate a large portion of their income to child care, while the average wage of child care workers remains below $30,000 annually. This pay disparity is of particular concern, given that a third of child care workers are experiencing food insecurity, demonstrating the financial struggles associated with this vital profession. By establishing a month dedicated to appreciation, the resolution aims to elevate the status of child care work and advocate for better compensation and support for providers.
HCR69 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii, designating September 2022 as Child Care Provider Appreciation Month. This bill recognizes the critical role that child care providers play in early childhood development and education. Acknowledging the importance of early care, the resolution highlights that most human brain development occurs before the age of five, emphasizing the need for quality childcare services to ensure positive outcomes for children and to help them succeed in life. The resolution notes that a significant number of children in Hawaii are in need of care while their parents work, pointing to the essential role of child care providers in the community.
While the resolution is largely symbolic, it acknowledges existing prejudices against the profession, often viewed as undervalued work predominantly performed by women of color. The resolution’s passing can be seen as an effort to combat these biases and advocate for fair treatment of those in the child care sector. It urges policymakers and community members to recognize and support the significance of child care services and to advocate for conditions and wages that reflect the essential nature of these roles in the development of future generations in Hawaii.