HR1014 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1014 LRB099 20468 GRL 44977 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Every week in the United States, nearly 11 million children younger than age 5 are in some type of child care arrangement; on average, these children spend 36 hours a week in child care; and

WHEREAS, While parents are children's first and most important teachers, child care programs provide early learning opportunities for millions of young children daily, having a profound impact on their development and readiness for school; and

WHEREAS, Various studies have shown that children in higher quality programs do better in school, are less likely to require special education services, are more likely to attend college, are more likely to earn higher wages and pay more in taxes, and are less likely to be involved in the criminal justice system; and

WHEREAS, Employers consistently report that the availability of quality child care improves productivity and reduces absenteeism and turnover from their employees; and

WHEREAS, The Week of the Young Child, held on April 10-16, 2016, is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper for this body to pay tribute to those who provide much-needed care and attention to the children of this State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the second week of May of 2016 as Child Care Awareness Week in the State of Illinois and thank those men and women who care for the children of this State.