Designating The Month Of September 2022 As Child Care Provider Appreciation Month.
The resolution does not enact new laws but serves to raise awareness and appreciation for child care providers amidst challenges faced by the sector. It highlights significant issues such as low wages, food insecurity among workers, and the need for better compensation and support for child care professionals. Given that over thirty thousand children in Hawaii utilize licensed child care, raising public awareness about these challenges seeks to mobilize community and policy support to enhance the quality and stability of child care services in the state.
SCR53, known as the Senate Concurrent Resolution 53, designates September 2022 as Child Care Provider Appreciation Month in Hawaii. The resolution underscores the essential role that child care providers play in the development and education of young children, emphasizing that early childhood is a critical developmental period where substantial brain growth occurs. It recognizes that high-quality early care and education can improve children's outcomes and prepare them for a successful future, making it vital for working families who need these services.
The sentiment around SCR53 is overwhelmingly positive, as it aims to honor and appreciate a workforce that is often underappreciated and underpaid. The resolution calls upon policymakers, community organizations, and residents to recognize the importance of child care services and the professionals who provide them. It seeks to foster a greater community understanding of the value these workers offer in nurturing the next generation.
While SCR53 is largely supportive in nature, it does touch on underlying issues regarding the treatment of child care workers, particularly concerning gender and socioeconomic disparities. The acknowledgment of low wages and food insecurity for one in three child care workers points to a systemic undervaluation of the profession, predominantly affecting women of color. This tension may lead to discussions about necessary reforms in the compensation and recognition for child care work, making it a notable point of contention in broader conversations about social equity in Hawaii.