Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages joined parents, educators, child care providers, and advocates at Harbor Child Care in Mineola to call for expanded Universal Pre-K (UPK) access and increased state investment in early childhood education across Long Island.

Addressing Child Care Deserts and Affordability

The event highlighted persistent child care deserts, affordability challenges, and limited seat availability facing families across the region. Assemblywoman Solages was joined by Harbor Child Care, the Long Island Regional Technical Assistance Center (LRTAC), and the Child Care Council of Nassau (CCCN).

Assemblywoman Solages outlined a package of policy priorities to make early childhood education truly accessible, including:

• Expanding UPK capacity so every family who wants a seat can obtain one
• Increasing per-pupil funding to reflect the real cost of quality programs
• Strengthening the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
• Investing in the child care workforce
• Dedicating $1 million to expand LRTAC to help open and sustain classrooms, particularly in child care deserts

“We need to ensure the child care conversation isn’t limited to New York City,” said Assemblywoman Solages. “In high-cost regions like Long Island, funding is stretched thin — and we’re here to provide quality, not just the basics.”

She also called for faster implementation of universality, noting that families cannot wait until 2028.

Voices from Providers and Families

Jacob Dixon, CEO of LRTAC, noted that while UPK enrollment on Long Island has more than doubled since 2020, providers and workers remain under pressure due to inflation and limited state support.

Local parent Stephanie Washington shared how UPK supports not only academic learning, but social development and teamwork.

Dr. Florence Prophete-Barbour emphasized affordability, calling for CCAP to be fully integrated into universal child care planning.

Smita Daniel, Executive Director of CCCN, stressed that child care investments strengthen the entire region by supporting families, providers, and the workforce.

Assemblymember Tommy J. Schiavoni echoed the call for equity, noting that Universal Pre-K is a necessity and that Long Island families deserve the same access as those in New York City.