Day-Care Directors Deserve Fair Deal;

Day-Care Directors Deserve Fair Deal


When economic times are tough, New Yorkers tighten their belts. We are prudent, but by no means shortsighted. We may be able to cut back on our use of fuel, but we would never cut back on education for our children. New Yorkers always choose to put children first; both those in city-funded day-care centers and those who are in New York City public schools.

Ms. Herman is the CSA's first vice president.

When City Hall decides to have our youngest citizens bear the burden of the city's financial shortfall, we have to stand firm and say "no." Education is an investment that yields a significant return. Studies have proven that every dollar we spend on education reduces the city's costs in terms of public assistance and juvenile justice.

Early education centers also help this city thrive by allowing parents the ability to work. In city public schools, academic achievement is improving; and no one has ever criticized the quality of care in our city-funded day-care centers, or the continuing need for the service that they provide to the community. In fact, day-care centers are a fundamental part of the community and directors often remain on the job for 20 or even 30 years, and are able to see the impact they have had on children and families. The children who have passed through their doors often return to visit as doctors, lawyers, politicians, and teachers.

Who are these wonderful people who provide such a rich educational foundation to New York City's neediest children from low-income families? The Directors and Assistant Directors of city-funded day-care centers are members of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, the union that represents city Principals, Assistant Principals and other Supervisors. The CSA considers Day Care Directors and Assistant Directors to be educational professionals, and affords them the respect and representation that is due to them by virtue of their profession. Just as other CSA members worked without a contract for 4-1/2 years, Directors and Assistant Directors have been working without a contract for two years.

Have Right to Walk But Won't

These dedicated men and women aren't city employees - they work for community-based not-for-profit agencies with which the city contracts for service. They are not prohibited from walking out in protest of the absence of good-faith bargaining, but are concerned about the consequences of interrupting the education of children and the family instability that would result from the absence of the quality care that allows parents to work.

City-funded Day Care Directors and Assistant Directors need a contract. They deserve a fair contract now. They shouldn't be forced to choose between standing up for their livelihood and educating our youngest and most-promising students. It's time for City Hall to step up to the plate, fully fund early education and help move the contract negotiations forward.