Tom Harkin: “I wish to recognize the 30th anniversary of a special place in our Senate community--the Senate employees' childcare…”

“I wish to recognize the 30th anniversary of a special place in our Senate community--the Senate employees' childcare center. The teachers and administrators at the center are some of the unsung heroes of the Senate, and it is a privilege to be able to pay tribute to them today. The Senate employees' childcare center opened its doors on February 27, 1984, as the result of a small group of Senate employees who came together as parents to create a childcare program for their children that would best meet the unique needs of Senate employees. Although operating out of different buildings, the center has been in continuous operation since its opening day. In 1989, the center became the first childcare center in Washington, DC, to receive accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children--a hallmark of quality in the child care world--and it has remained accredited ever since. Over the years the center has grown in size and has moved locations several times, but one thing that has never changed is the center's commitment to excellence. Through the dedicated efforts of its administrators and faculty, the center provides an exceptional level of care and a top-notch early childhood education program. While adhering to rigorous standards, the center also remains a warm and close-knit community.…”