Morah A. - Parent

Please share your childcare story:

“I am a foster mother that loves a child that has gone back to her mother. Zoe is now three years old and I get to see her for an overnight for the past year and a half. I have been trying to help her mom find child care. Her mom does have a voucher, but there is such limited childcare that Zoe is staying home with her brothers for the summer. I try to take Zoe when I can.

I have tried so hard to find care for Zoe. There are none in Sandwich with openings. When I called for help, I am just given a list and have to call all that are on the list. (There should be a list to call of daycare with openings.)

Anyway, I did find one, it was a family daycare, The woman was pregnant and when she was out on maternity leave, her mother-in-law took over, but only speaks Portuguese. Most times Zoe would be one of two kids, with no structured time. When she is brought there she just cries. Hence the time at home with her brothers. After 15 calls I got an appointment for Head Start in Hyannis. It is a long interview process, but we were so impressed with the program. (Though I think 2 teachers for 20 three-year-olds is pushing it.) I brought Zoe to see the program and I was so impressed. In an hour they had a snack of fresh fruit, were read too, potty time and hand washing, art project related to the book, free time in centers. Zoe didn't want to leave! Zoe's mom really wanted her to go here. It is tough because she doesn't drive and would have to use an Uber to have Zoe dropped off.

In the end we decided it couldn't be done, because the hours are 9-3. With no before or after care. A single working mother can't manage this, even though she really wanted to. Now we are back calling for openings for the Fall for Zoe”