Josh D. - Parent

“My kids are 6, 4, and 10 months currently. I believe in childcare and its importance. The people caring for my kids are professionals who use their skills to help continue the growth of my child physically and mentally, along with what we do at home. Childcare has been an expensive venture though. We have had to cut many things or even increase a work load to afford the childcare. Currently, during Covid-19, with no childcare, it has been difficult as 2 working parents and having to both work and be teacher at home.”

What would affordable, high-quality early education and child care mean for your family? What would be different if you had access to such a program?

“It would mean a lot. Just something that does not feel like an additional mortgage monthly. At one point, I was paying more total a month than I was for my home.”

What else should lawmakers and policymakers know about your childcare/early education needs, especially as we recover from the COVID-19 crisis?

“Lawmakers should consider the working parent and how to support them. When you have to give your entire check to child care but have nothing left to care for the child/children, it defeats the purpose. Sit and talk to parents before making the decision.”