N.Y. Lab. Law § 695-a

§ 695-a. Statement of public policy; findings. The legislature\ndeclares that it is the public policy of the state and the purpose of\nthis act to create a framework for child care providers to secure\nrepresentation to help improve the environment in which they work.\n The legislature hereby finds child care providers perform an essential\nservice for working parents and guardians in this state by creating a\nsafe, educational and enjoyable home-like environment for their\nchildren. Many of New York's children spend a significant part of their\ncrucial early years of development under the supervision of child care\nproviders. It is in the best interest of New York state to maintain a\nchild care delivery system that fosters quality child care options and\ncompensation, and benefits and working conditions for child care\nproviders commensurate with the value of the work they perform.\n Accordingly child care providers are hereby given the option to\norganize themselves and select representatives for the purpose of\ndiscussing with the state the conditions of their employment, the\nstability of funding and operations of child care programs and the\nexpansion of quality child care.\n