Across the country, child-care centers that were
once full are now watching their enrollment numbers drop.
With the poor economy, parents are pulling their
kids out of child care or after-school care to save money. Some parents have
lost their jobs and are now staying home to take care of their children. Others
have experienced wage and hours reduction at work, but still have to continue
paying for childcare. Many are turning to their relatives, friends and
neighbors for help.
According to March 2009 statistics from the
Washington State Child Care Resources & Referral Network
, the average
annual child care cost for an infant getting full-time care is $7,800. It’s
$6,504 for a 4-year-old and $4,368 for before- and after-school care. For some
families struggling to survive through this recession, child care is an expense they can no longer
afford.
Who helps you take care of your children? Have you been forced to make any adjustments to your childcare arrangements?