Child care in jeopardy

I’m neither an economist nor a politician. I’m a licensed family child care provider in Spokane Valley, and here’s what I know: If we don’t get federal relief to cushion this economic crisis, it will damage the quality of life in our communities.

Child care providers and the families we serve rely on programs that support care. When these programs get cut, it forces providers to close our doors. What will working families do when child care isn’t available?

When parents struggle at home, their attendance and quality of work decline. And what about the children? They don’t have a shelf life and can’t be placed on hold while adults sort out the pennies. How will they fare without quality child care programs? Will they be ready for school? Will school be ready for them?

People often don’t recognize the value of public services until they disappear. Congress should put politics aside and do what’s right: pass an economic recovery plan that provides funding to states and communities to save jobs and meet people’s needs. And we need it now. Otherwise, it doesn’t take an expert to see where we’re headed: right off the cliff.

Nancy Gerber

Spokane Valley