Staff members of the Chautauqua Child Care Council of Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. recently joined more than 500 other attendees from across New York State for the “Save New York Child Care Campaign 2021” virtual event.

The event kicked off upcoming virtual Advocacy Days on Feb. 9 and Feb. 16.

Child care providers, parents, educators, advocates, and lawmakers were among those who attended. Co-sponsors of the rally and press conference included the Empire State Campaign for Child Care and Winning Beginning New York, as well as several other organizations and child care programs.

The the Empire State Campaign for Child Care was “founded in the wake” of Gov. Cuomo’s threats to cut child care subsidies by $27 million dollars in 2017. According to a flyer sent to attendees of the February event, Empire State Campaign for Child Care officials said the “our current child care system, though essential, is undervalued and underfunded.” The organization is asking for an increase of $500 million for child care in the New York state budget.

More information about the event and the Empire State Campaign for Child Care can be found on the ESCCC website at www.empirestatechildcare.org.

Parents who are looking for registered or licensed child care can contact the Chautauqua Child Care Council at 800-424-4532 or www.chautauquaopportunities.com. The council can also assist parents in finding help paying for child care.