Muskogee County - Federal Head Start Grant Not Enough

I just found another article that outlines the growing child care crunch in the United States. Muskogee County, Oklahoma recently received a federal grant to provide additional funds for their Head Start programs - but the county still has an abundance of children from poor families who are struggling to find affordable, adequate child care.

The Head Start program, started in the 1960's, is specifically designed to help end the cycle of poverty by providing a "head start" on education for children of low-income families.

As child care costs rise, more families are finding themselves in need of the assistance that the Head Start program provides. In Muskogee County, officials have received over 200 applications for the 60 slots available in the program.

Infant slots are at a premium in Muskogee County - and many places nationwide. State and local regulations, as well as common sense, demand a sensible ratio between care givers and children, and many child daycare providers are reluctant to invest the cost for facilities, labor and increased regulation to help meet the demand.

Here is a link to the Muskogee Phoenix article:

http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/opinion/local_story_232171726.html?keyword=secondarystory



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Waukesha Daycare on top of Toy Recall

The recent toy recall has sparked concern with parents,especially those who put their child in the care of others during the work day. I came across an article from TMJ4, a Milwaukee TV station that outlines a Waukesha daycare who is proactively ensuring the safety of the children in their care - and helping put their parents' minds at ease.

Here's the article:

Daycare Concerned About Toy Recall
Melissa McCrady
WAUKESHA - Corinne Chartier is worried her 19-month-old son, Owen, will get hold of some recalled toys at home and at daycare.

Wednesday she toured All About Learning, a child care center, and learned not to worry.

All About Learning's Education Director, Louise Hansen, spent the day looking through all the toys at the center and removing the recalled items.

"We print out the recall notice. Give them to teachers in the classroom then they go through all the toys and get rid of all the toys that have been recalled," Hansen said.

Daycare workers make sure they have the exact recalled item by matching the product number on the list with the product number on the toy.

Hansen pulled just a handful of items from the daycare shelves. Even though she insists the kids are safe from dangerous toys, she's still on alert.

"Are you nervous about more recalls?" TODAY'S TMJ4's Melissa McCrady asked.

"Sure we don't want to have unsafe products in our classrooms," Hansen replied.

Hansen is certain they've gotten all of the recalled toys because teachers wash every toy at the end of the day, so if they happened to miss the item earlier, they'd catch it at night.

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More daycare decisions, more daycare information

A June 20th article in the USA Today does a great job of outlining the "daycare dilemna" that most parents face.

65% of mothers with pre-school aged children now work - up from 30% in 1970. This has led to an explosion in the need for quality child care. Choosing a child daycare provider becomes an agonizing decision at times.

The article does a great job in detailing several studies - from group care's effects on aggressiveness and misbehavior, to the academic benefits of a quality preschool.

More and more, parents are faced with the difficult decision about child care - not "if", but "where and who". Two income families are becoming even more common, as consumer debt rises, energy prices go up, and families need to make ends meet.

The good news is that there is more information about the effects of care outside the home than ever before. Studies are released often, showing the positive and negative effects of placing a child in care.

More parents are faced with this decision on a daily basis - and are better equipped to choose wisely than ever before.

Here's a link to the full article:

Day care concern is not child's play



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Houston Katrina Evacuees Still Facing Child Care Crunch

With over 100,000 Hurricane Katrina Evacuees still residing in Houston, the area faces several economic problems - including how to care for the children of evacuees.

While this is a nationwide issue, it is even more concentrated in the Houston area. Evacuees are trying to rebuild their lives, finding jobs, health care, etc. - but affordable, accessible child care proves to be a stumbling block.

It's the same old child daycare "Catch 22" - I need a job to pay for child care, but without child care, I can't get a job. The "spread" between the cost of care and the wage that a person can earn must justify going back to work. Otherwise, it's hard to justify working 30-40 hours per week just to pay the daycare provider, with not enough left over to live on.

All these months after Katrina, this is still a Houston area problem. However, the US government is helping. FEMA housing has been extended through 2009, and a program offers free child care to those working at least 30 hours per week.

Here's a related article:

Many Katrina evacuees in Houston still unemployed 19 months later



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Lubbock Daycare Center Thanks Injured Soldier

I came across this story from a Lubbock, TX news station. Another great example of daycare operators and children showing their support and gratitude for local troops. I know that it's a little "schmaltzy" - but I can't help but pass these stories on.

Our children are learning to appreciate those that sacrifice to help the greater good - no matter how we choose to define that. Being the father of 2 sons - a 3 yr old and an 11-month old, I hope my boys will learn to do the same.

Here's the story:

Daycare Creates Thank You Basket For Injured Lubbock Soldier

As the United States Government announces the death of 15 U.S. troops in Iraq over the past three days, some Lubbockites are showing their support for an injured soldier.

Emma Mahaney is taking a gift basket to San Antonio. The items inside are thank you gifts donated by the students and parents from Emma's Group Daycare. She plans on personally delivering the basket to Lubbock soldier Jason Bates.

She saw a story about Bates on NewsChannel 11 and wanted to show her appreciation. Bates was injured in Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated and destroyed the humvee he was in. Bates was awarded the purple heart and is recovering at a hospital in San Antonio.

LINK: Daycare Creates Thank You Basket For Injured Lubbock Soldier

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Early Childhood Education Regulation Gaining Momentum in Kansas City

The Kansas City Star reports on a trend that is gaining momentum nationwide - increased government oversight of early childhood education.

The paper's business section outlines what it calls "The Daycare Dilemna", a story highlighting the impact on area business caused by the lack of dependable daycare.

The National Child Care Resource & Referral Association reports that only about 10% of child care centers are accredited by an independent agency (i.e. NAEYC), while less than 1% of in-home providers have such credentials.

The push in Kansas City, Missouri, and nationwide is for government intervention in the form of a uniform rating system. Advocates of such a system are seeking a reliable, independent source that parents can rely on to measure the quality of a provider when making a daycare choice.

Business groups are increasingly throwing their support behind such measures, citing the impact on the workforce that unreliable child care causes. Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the U.S. House of representatives, held a day-long summit on the issue last month.

It truly is a dilemna. For me, it's difficult to imagine government intervention actually helping this process - as many in-home providers already face challenging licensing requirements, costly liability insurance, and cumbersome payment processes for state subsidized child care. If we add the requirement to be rated by a government agency, it may actually reduce the number of child care options for the average parent, as providers decide it's just not worth the hassle to stay in business.

Currently, the NCCRRA estimates that about 75% of children under 5 years old go off to some sort of daycare every day. According to surveys conducted by DayCareCrossing.com, 87% of parents describe the traditional search for child care as "Difficult & Frustrating".

Child care is a highly fragmented industry, with hundreds of thousands of providers servicing millions of parents. Bringing a cohesive government rating system to this category is a monumental task, one that will be costly in time, effort and money.

We'll keep you posted on ideas for solutions as we come across them.

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Denver Area Child Daycare Assistance for Military

Colorado Governer Bill Ritter signed several pieces of legislation into law yesterday. Among these was Colorado HB 1371, which eases the eligibility requirements for military families to qualify for the Military Family Relief Program (MFRP).

The MFRP provides assistance for many day-to-day expenses, including child daycare assistance. The bill will help more families, including those serving at Fort Carson near Colorado Springs, qualify for the program.

As I've posted before, I believe that our military men & women need all of the support we can give, regardless of whether we think our presence in Iraq is a good idea. This bill puts Colorado's money where our mouth is.

I can imagine that it is a great relief for our Fort Carson troops, knowing that their children are cared for while the spouse left behind tries to make ends meet.

Good job Colorado. We are very happy to hear about this.

Here is a link to the article from Fox 21 News in Colorado Springs, CO for the whole story:

http://fox21news.com/Global/story.asp?S=6609944

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Athens, OH Child Care Crunch Highlighted

I came across an article from The Athens News today that succinctly outlines a nationwide problem facing working parents - the challenge of finding affordable, accessible child care near where they live and work.

Athens County assembled a child-care forum to define & discuss the problem, which impacts area employers, who actually lose qualified members of the work force simply because daycare is too expensive, and there are too many barriers to entry to solve the supply-side of the daycare equation.

Maureen Boggs, division director of the Early Care & Education Division of COAD, defined the supply problem this way - "Facilities are costly, liabilities are huge, and it can also be one of the most time-consuming jobs you've ever had," she explained.

This, in short, defines a nationwide issue - daycare demand keeps growing, but the supply side, by nature, cannot grow as quickly. Between capital, licensing, insurance, liability, marketing costs, long hours, and a mostly "thankless" job - it is difficult to quickly develop quality daycare providers to adequately service communities.

This, in my opinion, is the major reason why child care is a highly fragemented industry, with large gaps between levels of safety, security, quality of care, and affordability.

In many cases, parents are forced to "dig" for local, in-home providers who are affordable, and will care for & love their children. That's why surveys conducted by DayCareCrossing.com show that 87% of parents define the traditional search for child care as "difficult & frustrating".

Here is a link to the entire article for your review:

http://www.athensnews.com/issue/article.php3?story_id=28431

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A Big "Thumbs Up" for these Minnesota Daycare Kids

The war in Iraq is today's most controversial issue, and I'm not going to touch it on this blog. I'll just say this - whether one supports our presence there or not, one can't deny that our troops need love, encouragement, and support from all of us back here at home.

I ran across this story, and I'm very happy that Kid's Company is giving these children an opportunity to encourage all of the men & women in Iraq who miss their homes:

Students send thanks to U.S. troops

It's very cool to see these children express their thanks and support. 100 children sending 130 cards may seem like small consolation - but I'll bet that hundreds of soldiers are touched by these messages from home.

As adults, I hope that we can separate our political views from this base fact: Our troops are hungry for encouragement & support from home.

Good job to all involved in making this effort happen up in Minnesota. We're grateful for your efforts!

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State Employees in Downtown Madison, WI Get Special $268,000 Child Care Subsidy

The Associated Press ran a story yesterday that caught my eye. In the midst of all the stories about parents struggling to find affordable child daycare in order to work and support their families, this story just struck me as odd.

According to the AP, about 100 state employees that work in downtown Madison have, for several years, benefited from a special $268,000 child care subsidy. All of these employees use the same downtown Madison, WI daycare center.

While the state of Wisconsin employs about 67,000 workers total, this subsidy is only offered to about 100 employees who use this particular chld care center. So, these workers average about $2,680 each per year help pay for care - at one center.

There was a move in the Wisconsin State Legislature to repeal the subsidy, but it failed, with subsidy supporters calling the opponents "petty".

According to a press release from State Representative Sue Jeskewitz, there are at least five other certified child care providers within a four mile radius of the capital that do not receive the subsidy, which has been in effect since 1991.

Why are the benefits only given to employees who use this particular location for child care? Why is it that the only State of Wisconsin employees who are given this subsidy are those that work in downtown Madison?

At the very least, it seems like the subsidy should benefit all of the certified, downtown Madison child daycare providers.


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$46 million in Colorado child care assistance goes unused

On May 1, 2007 the Denver Post reported that over $46 million of funds earmarked for low-income child care assistance has gone unused:

Day-care funds go begging

The state of Colorado and many counties, including Denver, tightened the qualifications for this low-income child care assistance back in 2001, anticipating deep cuts in federal funding that never came.

So, for the last six years, the number of families receiving assistance has declined by over 30%, while the programs have received the same amount of funding, which has resulted in the surplus.

Now, counties are scrambling to add families to the program, or risk losing their share of this money to other counties that do. In Denver, the income level to qualify for a family of 3 was $2,558 - now it's $3,200.

The counties are desperate to communicate the new income levels to parents who previously thought they wouldn't qualify. SO - DENVER PARENTS - CHECK INTO THE CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM! It might be easier to qualify than you think.

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New York Preschool Calls For Nationwide Ban On The Phrase Terrible Two's

Hi -

I found this interesting:

( EMAILWIRE.COM, May 29, 2007 ) New York, NY -- Smarter Toddler Nursery and Preschool in New York City has announced a ban on the phrase Terrible Two’s insisting that the term encourages and excuses bad behavior in Toddlers. “A two year old who people refer to as a Terrible Two may need either more physical activity, more stimulating academic challenges or simply more 1-on-1 attention,” said Jessica Collins, spokesperson for the school, “At Smarter Toddler we don't believe in the phrase Terrible Two's. What we do believe in is giving a child a combination of attention and special activities that help to keep their minds off of the need to begin what some would describe as bad behavior. Smarter Toddler does that by providing children with a warm, loving, fun environment that focuses on the artistic, cultural and social development of each child”.

The teachers and management of Smarter Toddler would like the support of not only parents with children at their center but also parents, guardians and teachers everywhere to not use the term Terrible Two’s.

“Educators and psychologists have proved that negative statements are more likely to encourage negative behavior in not only children but adults also," said Ms. Collins. "Call Johnny a bad boy and your likely to get a bad boy. Instead of saying Terrible Two, using the term Terrific Two is much more positive and likely to encourage and expect good behavior in a child”.

About Smarter Toddler:
Smarter Toddler is a Daycare Center and Preschool on Manhattan’s Upper West Side founded by parents of gifted toddlers who wanted a progressive preschool with an advanced arts-based curriculum that their own children could benefit from, hence the name. It has long been proven that a child’s brain is like a dry sponge capable of absorbing knowledge at a much faster rate than an adult's. As a result, at Smarter Toddler you’re never too young to begin learning. Since the first Smarter Toddler location at 89th street became popular a new location at 55th street and 9th avenue near Lincoln Center is planned for September 2007.

Smarter Toddler (Nursery, Daycare Centers, Preschools, Early Childhood Schools)
Upper West Side Location:
100A West 89th Street
New York, NY 10024

Midtown Location near Columbus Circle (opening September 2007)
400 West 55th Street
New York, NY 10019

WEBSITE: www.SmarterToddler.net
PHONE: (212) 721.9782

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Survey Says NIH Study Causes 60% to Reconsider Daycare

A National Institutes of Health Study shows a slight increase in behavioral issues that are linked to spending time in daycare (NIH Website).

MamaSource.com conducted a survey of some 500 mothers, and found that 60 percent of the more than 500 respondents said the study made them think twice about using day care.

Parents - it's important to wisely choose your daycare provider - the good ones will focus on social development as well as the academic side of care. While price is always a concern, be careful that you don't get more than you bargained for.

Providers - be conscious of the environment you create for the children placed in your care, make it a happy, constructive place that fosters social, emotional, relational, and academic growth.

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Daycare Zoning Issues - Don't Invest Before You Know

I recently came across this article from Chesterton, IN regarding a family's fight with the local zoning authority to run a home daycare business:

BZA Approval of Daycare Not Automatic

This poor couple spent $25,000 to renovate their basement - adding a kitchen, bathroom, etc. so they could run a daycare for up to 12 children (Indiana Class 1 license). Then, they discovered that they needed to get a variance from the local zoning authority to run the business - and it doesn't sound very promising.

To all home daycare providers out there - LOOK INTO ZONING BEFORE YOU SPEND THE MONEY. Sometimes, it isn't a slam-dunk that your business will be legal in your zoning class.

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Even the Smallest can Have a Big Impact

Recently, a bunch of daycare kids in Gaylord, MI took it upon themselves to raise money for a local food bank. They sold candles, and netted $205.80 for the local food pantry as a result.

I LOVE stories like this - it's never too early to teach our children the value of giving. To Dianne Platt (the owner of the daycare) - EXCELLENT WORK!

Here is a link to the article:

Daycare Kids Raise $200 for Pantry

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Finding Quality Daycare

87% of parents describe their normal search for daycare as "Difficult & Frustrating". Count me as one of the 87%.

Recently, my wife and I began looking for a preschool for our recently 3-year-old son. He has spent three "half days" per week in a home daycare, and we have absolutely loved our provider. But, now that our son is older, it is becoming obvious that he needs a more structured environment to help him focus, follow directions, and interact socially in a group.

I used DayCareCrossing.com, which my company owns and operates, to find a great church preschool in my area that fit our price and had openings coming up in the Fall. We visited, loved it, and decided that was the place for our son this Fall.

We kindly, compassionately, and lovingly told our current provider that we would be switching in the Fall. She seemed to take it well, said she understood, and that she appreciated the abundant notice (4 months) that we were giving. Everything seemed to be OK.

But, we soon discovered that it wasn't.

She has since begun cancelling with no notice, becoming less cooperative, etc. After talking with some other in home providers who I have a relationship with through DayCareCrossing.com, I've come to discover that this isn't all that unusual.

So - even though I was able to easily find the quality care that we want for our child, I still have to deal with our current provider being offended because we are leaving in 3 months.

I can't imagine what parents do when they can't easily find quality care - that's why we built DayCareCrossing.com, to make the search easier, and to help connect parents and providers who match.

Good luck in your child care search!

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