Advocacy
Together, we can create meaningful change for young children and families in our region. At the Adirondack Birth to Three Alliance, advocacy is about collaboration, community, and evidence-based action. We work locally and statewide to influence policies that support children and families, build meaningful relationships with partners who share our goals, and educate our community and policymakers on the critical issues shaping early childhood development.
We Are Taking Action!
Learn about the issues we’re working on and how you can help.
Increasing High-Quality Child Care Options
Child care is as important to our community as roads; it is the foundation for a child’s future success. 80% of a child’s brain develops by age three, and investing in early childhood is investing in the Adirondacks. There’s a critical shortage of child care professionals, including providers and home visitors, because they don’t earn a living wage. These workers give so much to our communities and deserve respect and better pay. Without affordable child care, families can’t work, and without workers, our economy and communities will suffer.
Funding & Policy Proposals:
- Child Care Assistance Program: BT3 strongly supports the Executive Budget proposal to increase the CCAP appropriation by an additional $1.23 billion, representing a 40% increase. This increase would bring the State’s total CCAP funding to more than $3 billion, which would include:
- $2.4 billion for FFY 2027 base CCAP
- $475 million for FFY 2026 and FFY 2027 for New York City, and
- $155 million for FFY 2026 for Rest of State.
- Child Care Pilots: BT3 supports the Executive Budget proposal to establish three (3) pilot programs to explore models for making child care more affordable and accessible for entire communities. We look forward to understanding more about the pilots and hope that they are successful for Broome, Dutchess, and Monroe Counties.
Improving Access to Early Intervention Services
Early intervention services for developmental or learning needs are crucial. They help identify and address challenges as soon as possible, giving children the best chance for success. In rural areas like ours, access to these services can be limited, which makes it even more important to ensure every child receives the support they need early on. Providing these services not only helps children reach their full potential but also strengthens the entire community by giving families the resources and support they need to thrive.
Funding & Policy Proposals:
- Invest: The EI system has gone years without any substantial adjustments in rates. A one time rate increase is insufficient to resolve decades of underfunding. The State should commit to annual increases and begin in FFY 2026-27 with an 8% increase.
- Fully Implement Covered Lives: The covered lives assessment was established to provide revenues to support municipalities in partnership in the early intervention program. Of the funds collected, $20 million is intended for municipalities. Unfortunately these funds have not been released. The State should honor its partnership with the counties and release the funds from the covered lives assessment intended for municipalities.
Ensuring Robust Systems of Family Support
Warm hand-offs are essential because they ensure families smoothly transition between services with continued support. Help Me Grow plays a vital role by connecting families to the right resources and services at the right time. This system helps children get the early care they need, improving outcomes and strengthening community support.
Funding & Policy Proposals:
● Secure funding to allow Help me Grow to enter the Adirondack Region
Share Your Story
By telling your story, you help us build a stronger, more supportive system for all children and families in our region. Your stories– shared online, with policy makers, and in community meetings– drive meaningful action and secure a brighter future for the Adirondacks.
Advocacy Toolkit
Our Advocacy Toolkit gives you easy-to-use resources to help speak up for young children and families. It includes a one-pager and a PowerPoint that explain why investing in early childhood matters and share important facts from the Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Report. You’ll also find tips on sharing family stories and talking about why this work is so important. With these tools, you can feel confident sharing your voice and helping create change, whether you are sharing with your community, local leaders, or elected officials.