Childcare

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“One of my greatest passions in the Legislature is being a champion for children and families. As a mom and policymaker, I know that strong childcare systems are essential for the well-being of our communities and the future of our state.”

- Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn

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Standing Up for Families

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Before joining the Assembly, I worked for Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, two programs that shaped generations by teaching kindness, curiosity, and compassion. As a working mother of three, I have lived the challenges parents face when trying to find safe, reliable, and affordable care.

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One of my greatest passions in the Legislature is being a champion for children and families. As a mom, policymaker, and member of the Assembly Children and Families Committee, I know that available and dependable childcare are essential to both our economic strength and societal well-being and a critical investment in the future of our communities, state, and nation.

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Key Priorities

• Make Childcare Affordable: Help working parents stay on the job by keeping costs within reach.

• Stabilize Childcare Centers: Ensure providers receive reliable state support so they can keep their doors open and retain staff.

• Improve Childcare Workforce: Establish loan redemption programs for mental health professionals who serve children.

• Expand Access: Allow families in communities without preschool programs to use vouchers and available government programs for local licensed providers.

• Cut Red Tape: Remove unnecessary regulations that prevent quality providers from helping more families.

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Proven Results

• Extended state childcare payments to keep centers open after the pandemic.

• Increased the state child tax credit to help working parents make ends meet.

• Championed preschool options for families in childcare deserts so every child can start school ready to learn.

• Led community town halls to restore funding for thousands of children in the childcare assistance program.​