When it comes to child care in New York State theres good news and bad news. The good news is its high in quality. The bad news is its high in cost. According to a survey by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, New York State ranks second highest in the nation for expensive child care. The average cost of child care for one year in New York State is $9,391 for a four year old child. The average cost of child care for an infant is close to $12,000. Stella Penizotto of Shining Stars Day care Center in East Syracuse said, "Theres no help from government agencies, state agencies." Many providers, like Penizotto, say there are very strict regulations they must follow and that makes it impossible for them to lower their costs. For example, New York State requires day care workers to have a college degree. Many in the field say experience should count just as much. Todays hearing was the first of five being held across New York State. Officials say they're trying to gather as much information as possible before they start taking the necessary steps to ensure high quality and affordable child care.