To the editor:
The countdown to the end of the school year is already on in our house. Our kids are excited for all things that summer in northern Michigan brings. While they enjoy the break from school for a few months, as parents, it’s a bittersweet feeling. Summer offers many activities, however, finding childcare yearround is a challenge for many working families.
For us, Leelanau Children’s Center (LCC) has been a safe haven for our kids; a common thought amongst other LCC parents. Like other child care options though, space is limited, and the cost of care remains a sticking point.
LCC offers scholarships for children all over the county as well as Traverse City. This helps to some degree, and LCC is fortunate to have a source of money to fund the scholarships. The scholarships have their limits however, and paying for tuition stretches even the most budget-conscious families.
Support from our community is crucial to solving the child care crisis. The child care business model includes costs many businesses share such as staffing, licensing, and safe facilities. The challenge comes from paying for something that is essential but is difficult to fit into a budget. Many parents are doing all they can but still come up short.
As a community, it’s important to understand this problem and why solving the problem is so crucial. More children building from a stronger base will continue improving the whole region.
Ryan Knabusch LCC Board Member
