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Wednesday, June 24, 2009 8:24 AM Day care costs rising By Janet Conner-Knox | Times Staff Writer When some families go to write the checks for their biggest monthly bills, day care is often right up there with the mortgage payment and car payment. And, like almost everything else these days, the cost of day care is rising, according to a study released this week by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. According to the report, the average cost of infant care in North Carolina is $8,148 a year and for a 4-year-old it is $6,804 a year. That puts the cost of day care beyond the reach of many residents, the report states. The report also says that the average price of full-time center care for an infant and a 4-year-old child in 2008 increased 4.8 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively, outpacing the state's 3.8 percent cost-of-living increase. "As a result of increasing child care costs and the current economy, some parents have been forced to remove their children from organized child care programs or licensed settings and place them in more informal settings," said Linda Smith, executive director of NACCRRA. "No parent should have to choose a poor-quality child care setting just because they cannot afford anything better for their children." Donnielle Coe, whose daughter, Ebria, just turned 5, is in day care at Kiddie Campus in Wilson. Coe, who is a single mother and works as a secretary in the Wilson County Schools system, said she couldn't afford the $120 a week without receiving help from the Wilson County Department of Social Services. "I wanted my daughter to have a great start for school, and the only way I could do that is to put her in a five-star day care center," said Coe. "Because she goes to Kiddie Campus and they are such great teachers, my daughter will start kindergarten this fall ready for school." In North Carolina, day care centers are rated one through five stars, with five being the best rating. Mary Artis, Wilson County Smart Start child care referral coordinator, said the prices day care centers can charge are determined by the state. "Five-star-rated day care centers can charge more than those without that many stars," said Artis. And Artis said many parents need help with paying for quality day care. Presently, there are 396 children on the child care assistance program that Wilson County Department of Social Services maintains. Ron Hunt, public information officer at DSS, said just a couple of years ago, DSS got 10 to 15 calls a month asking for assistance with day care. Now he said they get 40 calls a month. He said many of those who have called are on the waiting list, but many more are new callers. Coe is not aware if there is money to help her pay for after-school care or if she will go on a waiting list. "I have to find out the cost of after-school care at the school she'll be attending and compare that to what is offered at the day care center she goes to now," Coe said. "My decision will depend on the cost." |
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..... said...
Um Kiddie Kampus to my understanding is NOT a five star daycare. And I cant afford DayCare either but since I am married the State wont help me out which I think is very unfair.
Friday, June 26, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Tabronz said...Um Kiddie Kampus to my understanding is NOT a five star daycare. And I cant afford DayCare either but since I am married the State wont help me out which I think is very unfair.
Friday, June 26, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Thank God for Grandparents...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Thank God we just wrote our LAST daycare payment last month!!!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 8:54 AM
