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Pocono News Section
Mother Chooses Between Work, Child Care
Mother Chooses Between Work, Child Care - Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 6:00PM EST
Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Wednesday, Sep 16, 2009 @ 06:00pm EDT
BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY -- Many parents are feeling the pinch when it comes to day care costs. Some families need state grants to pay for child care, including Sandie Steward of Berwick.
But Steward can't afford Pre-K services for her son without that help. It's forced her to stay home with her son and give up much-needed income at a time when she's also headed back to school. And when she does pay for day care --
"I might not pay a bill this week because I have to send my child to day care," said Steward. "So I have to put a bill off or I work out payment plans with the utility companies just so I can make ends meet."
Steward is concerned her husband could lose his job soon. She's afraid they could end up in a situation similar to her friend.
"She was in tears because she can't work now because she doesn't have full-time care," said Steward. "She goes to the food banks now because she can't work."
But Steward wants more for her kids.
"One priority is he has to go to school because I have to go to work," she said.
She just hopes state funding comes through to help her help them.
Steward's son goes to a day care that was concerned about closing its doors without state funding. But the Berwick Area United Way chipped in a few thousand dollars this week to keep those services available for now. | |
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