There are more than 3 kids for every open child care slot in Tompkins County

Iris believes that affordable, high-quality child care is essential for families and the economic stability of Tompkins County, but we live in a childcare desert. As a candidate for the Tompkins County Legislature, Iris is committed to increasing access to affordable child care services, especially for working parents and low-income families. Investing in our children makes good sense: for every $1 invested in early childhood education, research has shown that communities benefit as much as $7-$17. Iris supports helping providers navigate the red tape to get licensed, ensuring fair wages for child care workers, and advocating for policies that create a more sustainable child care system.