Infants and toddlers are left out in terms of quality and that is due in part by the disposition of leaders and childcare providers in the under- served communities. In order for youth to be successful, they must be prepared to learn and the foundation begins in the infant toddler years zero to age 3.Research has proven time and time again quality care during the zero to 5 years (first 2000 days) reduces numerous issues within society later. It also saves money on health care by reducing the high number of toddlers needing speech and occupational therapy (non birth related neurological disorders). Also, trained providers within every space working with infants and toddlers will understand developing social, emotional and cognitive skills are critical to a child's success and lead to a productive citizen of the world.

This petition should be supported because there are numerous occasions that infants and toddlers are injured in the care of others, sometimes by their parents. Just recently an infant died in the care of a child care provider due to overcrowding of the room. How many other incidents have occurred that were not presented in the news?

I started the petition because too often I do observations in child care centers in the under served community and the space is not quality; they have few appropriate materials. Also, many providers caring for infants are not trained in infant toddler development. Most recently, I found out there are some providers who received certificates from a "trainer" without going through the training. This is putting the life of numerous infants and toddlers in jeopardy and parents are entrusting their most precious gift to someone that should be trained and qualified to take care of their infants and toddlers.

As an organization that facilitates trainings for child care providers, classes for expectant parents and parents with infants and toddlers it is our obligation to help stakeholders understand how important it is and define quality. Previously we have written letters to President Obama and Mayor De Blasio and received response about UPK and No Child Left Behind initiative both are great yet do not speak to the importance of infant toddler development, now I ask for families and stakeholders to support the cause the First 2000 Days NY Campaign to ensure our infants and toddlers receive what they need by the time they arrive in kindergarten..quality care.