Public Policy

Standing Up for Children, Families, and a Stronger Future

Across New York State — and right here in Oswego County — families face serious challenges when it comes to child care. All parents want their children to be in a safe, clean, and engaging environment with trained professionals.

At ICPOC, we believe that high-quality, affordable child care is essential to:

School Readiness

Family Well-being

Early Brain Development

Local Economic Growth

We are deeply committed to improving the quality and accessibility of child care through both our services and strong public advocacy at the local, state, and national levels.

Why Quality Child Care Matters

A child’s brain develops more in the first five years of life than at any other time. The quality of care a child receives during these years directly impacts their lifelong ability to learn, grow, and succeed.

When families have access to high-quality child care, children thrive — and so do communities. Parents can work with peace of mind, employers benefit from a stable workforce, and the entire economy grows stronger.

Yet for too many families, child care is:

• Too costly

• Too hard to find

• Not up to the standards our children deserve

We’re working to change that.

Advocacy in Action

ICPOC is proud to support the policy agendas of:

• Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA)

• Early Care and Learning Council (ECLC)

• Empire State Campaign for Child Care

• Zero to Three

These organizations are national and statewide leaders in ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have access to safe, nurturing care and early education.

Get Involved: Make Your Voice Heard

Change happens when communities speak up. Whether you’re a parent, educator, business owner, or simply someone who believes in investing in our future — your voice matters.

Here’s how you can take action:

• Contact your elected officials — Find your representatives in Oswego County »

• Join the Child Care Aware Action Network »

• Learn more about the Empire State Campaign for Child Care »

• Support Zero to Three’s early development efforts »

Explore The Current Policy Agendas

Want to dive deeper? These platforms offer powerful insights and ongoing advocacy work:

• Child Care Aware of America Agenda (2020–2022) – A national blueprint for building a better child care system.

• ECLC & NY CCR&R Advocacy – Promoting equitable access to early care across New York State.

• Empire State Campaign – A grassroots movement pushing for bold investment in child care.

• Zero to Three – Advocating for policies that support infants, toddlers, and their families during the most critical years of development.

Have Questions or Want to Get Involved?

We’re here to help connect you to the resources, tools, and action steps you need.