• Home
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Legalities
  • Categories
    • Parenting
    • Lifestyle
    • Holiday Ideas
    • Wellness
    • Beauty
    • Travel

My Slightly Chaotic Life

Balancing Life, Children and Chaos

Parenting

The Affordable Childcare Crisis

April 16, 2020 Comments : 8

Quality, affordable childcare is a topic that is on the minds of many working parents these days. Even more so with the forced closures of schools, businesses, restaurants and even some daycare centers nationwide. The child care system in the United States has always been a fragile system. Finding high quality care is not the only challenge that families face. They also face the struggle of finding affordable childcare in an already limited market.

While this post is sponsored, all my opinions are my own. You can find my full disclosures HERE.

Affordable childcare should be a right not a privilege. Here is how you can help make quality, affordable healthcare available for everyone. | Childcare | Working Mom |

Quality Childcare is Hard to Find

When my son was born over 8 years ago, the childcare system was severely lacking in the state of Maine. Not only was it difficult to find a daycare with openings, it was a struggle to find a daycare that I could afford on the salary that I was bringing home. Eventually I was able to find a center that I could afford and trusted. However, I was placed on a waitlist and had to rely on family to watch my son when I returned to work. The situation was even more dire when my daughter was born a little over two years ago.

Hearing from others how many quality daycare centers were full and had year long waitlists, I began my search before my daughter was even born. I placed my child on a waiting list 3 months before she even entered this world and still had to wait ’til she was 6 months old for her to have a spot at the daycare. Not only was this one of the only centers in my area that opened early enough to accommodate my work schedule as a nurse, but the cost of care was something we could afford.

Research has shown that children with access to early quality care and learning in the first few years of life is crucial to build a strong foundation that allows children to succeed. This made finding quality daycare that much more stressful.

Childcare in the times of COVID-19

With the spread of COVID-19 families are suddenly finding themselves without childcare. Many people who are considered essential workers are now struggling to find childcare in an already fragile economy and limited daycare facilities. Currently many daycare facilities are closed and payment from families is still expected. This is causing many families to pull their children indefinitely due to the financial strain.

Thankfully my daycare facility for my daughter is still open. However, many centers are not open and once this crisis passes we will be faced with a new childcare crisis. High quality, affordable childcare was limited before the COVID-19 pandemic, and now that the fragile childcare ecosystem is significantly strained, it will be far more challenging once this time passes. 

Affordable childcare should be a right not a privilege. Here is how you can help make quality, affordable healthcare available for everyone. | Childcare | Working Mom |

How you can help

Care for All Children has created a non-partisan educational campaign focused solely on childcare affordability in the United States. More than 20% of American families are going into debt paying for childcare. Not only are they focused on affordable childcare, but quality childcare as well. Since over two thirds of children under the age of 5 have two parents in the household in the workforce, children are spending more time in childcare settings.

This means that not only is affordability an issue, quality childcare is just as important.

So how can you help? Care for All Children is working hard to change the way presidential candidates think about affordable childcare in the United States. To find out more about Care for All Children, why every child deserves access to high quality childcare and to sign the petition urging presidential candidates to make affordable childcare a platform issue head to https://actv.at/7CP/

Other ways to get involved? Share this petition with your friends, families, co-workers and encourage them to sign as well. Share your story about how this issue has impacted your life. You can join the #CareForAllChildren campaign to share your story on social platforms. You can send a letter directly to the presidential candidate of your choice. As always make sure to get out and vote! Make sure to follow Care for All Children in order to stay updated.

You can follow them at:

Instagram: @CareForAllChildren

Twitter: @RaiseUpECE

Facebook: @CareForAllChildren

 

Share this...
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Previous:
To My Children During a Pandemic
Next:
Tips on Homeschooling

Comments

  1. Kari says

    April 16, 2020 at 12:55 pm

    It’s so hard right now! Due to new headcount limitations we cannot attend daycare, but we still have to pay for it to hold our spot :(. So frustrating and my Lionel misses her friends!

    Reply
  2. Maya says

    April 16, 2020 at 5:34 pm

    Thank you for the great info! I will have to forward this to my sister. She can surely use this!

    Reply
  3. Jen says

    April 17, 2020 at 8:42 am

    That sounds like an amazing campaign! I feel for working moms who struggle to make ends meet because of childcare costs.

    Reply
  4. Adriane says

    April 18, 2020 at 1:14 am

    I just heard of this organization. That’s crazy you have so many waitlists in your area. I’m not sure around here in AZ but I haven’t heard of it being a problem. Now, the cost,YES! That’s a problem. I need to check out and support Care For All Children. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Jen says

    April 18, 2020 at 8:18 am

    This is eye-opening for me. The fact that Americans are going into debt to pay for childcare is terrible. But increasing the availability of quality childcare presents a difficult, and separate problem. Your activism is an admirable way to make a real change!

    Reply
  6. Elizabeth says

    April 22, 2020 at 1:06 pm

    I am fortunate enough to be able to stay home with my children but I realize how hard it can be to find affordable childcare. It becomes that much harder when you don’t live close to family who can step in and help. Thanks for doing what you can to solve this problem.

    Reply
  7. Melinda Cummings says

    April 22, 2020 at 8:30 pm

    When I lived in the US, I hated that I couldn’t send my kids to daycare or preschool.
    I am lucky in Quebec that it is subsidized, and we can get advanced tax credits to help pay for preschool and daycare. It is what is keeping me from moving to Ontario.

    Reply
  8. Christy says

    April 24, 2020 at 7:21 am

    Child care is a HUGE problem for many families. Thank you for sharing the information in this post!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




About Me

Hello

Hi! I'm Danielle. I'm a mom, wife and ED nurse. I love sharing my honest take on being a mom, traveling with kids and lifestyle content.

Let’s Connect

Featured Posts

Pregnancy Style: 22 Weeks pregnant

Pregnancy Style: 22 Weeks Pregnant

Simple ways to be a better mom

Simple Ways to be a Better Mom

Last minute Mother's Day gift ideas

Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Categories

  • Beauty
  • Holiday Ideas
  • Home Decor
  • Lifestyle
  • Mom Life
  • New England Living
  • Parenting
  • Pregnancy
  • Recipes
  • Style
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized
  • Wellness

Search

Archives

Anyone else struggle getting enough sleep? I know Anyone else struggle getting enough sleep? I know I do, especially lately.
(ad) @marlowpillow is helping me get better sleep with their cooling, memory foam pillows that are adjustable to the firmness that you like. Making my bed a cozier place to be allows me to get the rest my body is desperate for. Make sure to check out my stories to learn more! 
And the more you buy, the more you save so keep that in mind when your looking to update your space! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mycozyhome #homedecorinspo #bedroominspo #cozybedroom #pregnancylife #bettersleep #bedtimereading #momlifeunfiltered #pregnantmama #motherhoodsimplified #bedroomstyling #sleepytime
A little in my feels this weekend with Mother’s A little in my feels this weekend with Mother’s Day and officially being past the halfway point in this pregnancy. 
Time really does fly by so fast that it’s hard to keep up and before I know it, a new little one will be joining our small, crowded home. Trying to get as much stuff done before that happens including adding storage options where I am able to. 
Thankful to @nathanjames furniture for helping to add just that while being stylish with this beautiful Kova storage unit. Link in my bio to get one for your home. 

How do you organize your small spaces to keep your sanity with kids?! I need all the tips! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#cornerofmyhome #homedecorideas #smallspaces #homedecorating #maineliving #newenglandliving #momsofig #momstyle #homestylinginspo #organizedhome #lifewithkids
As a mom, one of the scariest things is to have a As a mom, one of the scariest things is to have a sick child, and as a nurse, I know how disruptive health issues can be on the lives of children and teens. Thankfully The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center is close by and provides high quality healthcare to the many children of Maine, and today, BBCH became one of the first hospitals in the country to receive the Connecting Joy grant from the @dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation! #DunkinPartner
 
Maine’s Dunkin’ franchisees have given more than $500,000 to The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital since 2012, mainly through the annual Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day campaign fundraiser (taking place on May 25th this year!). On Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day, $1 from every iced coffee sold at participating Maine Dunkin’ locations will be donated to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to bring joy to kids at BBCH. (Excludes Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew.)
The $87k @JoyInChildhood grant will help bring joy through gaming experiences to pediatric patients with the hope of normalizing their stays at hospitals. Children that are living with chronic illness or dealing with a hospitalization are at greater risk than their peers for the impact of stress and anxiety. Distraction is a healthy coping mechanism for kids and teens to disengage with the hospital environment. Gaming provides the perfect escape to play, relax, laugh and experience joy.This grant will have an immediate impact by adding structure and staff support for gaming as part of the hospitals’ Child Life Program. 
Today, a Dunkin’ sampling truck provided free small, iced coffees and Munchkins to more than 1,000 Maine Medical Center employees in Portland and Scarborough. 
 
Dunkin’ is not only supporting the children of Maine, but the healthcare workers too. So, make sure to grab an iced coffee at Dunkin’ on May 25th to help support these wonderful programs as well! 
 . 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#DunkinMaine #SipIcedBringJoy #BringJoy #mainelife #mainemom #newenglandliving #newenglandstyle #momstyle #workingmomlife #mommyandme #coffeelife #motherhoodinspired
A little over halfway there. Even though hitting A little over halfway there. 
Even though hitting these milestones feels slight reassuring, I know I won’t fully be able to breath until this little one is out and healthy. Even appointments bring about their own set of fears that something may be wrong. For now, I’m just taking it day by day and week by week and having hope that everything will be ok.

Any other moms or moms to be out there forgo the weekly pictures? I just can’t ever get my shit together enough to remember to take them. Tell me I’m not the only one. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#momtobe #pregnantlife #pregnantstyle #pregnancyafterloss #motherhoodjourney #20weekspregnant #momoftwo #baby3 
#honestmommin #mommyandme #honestmom #momsofig #motherhoodthroughinstagram
Sometimes I feel like I am the only one that doesn Sometimes I feel like I am the only one that doesn’t enjoy pregnancy on this platform.
I love the end result and am so grateful to be creating a new life but lately I have had more bad days then good days. 

I’m exhausted, sick and barely have enough energy to get through the things that I need to do let alone the things that I used to enjoy like working out. The stress of trying to figure out how I’m going to get through the next 18 weeks has been overwhelming to me lately. 
I will still share the joys but I also think it’s more realistic to share the downfalls too so hopefully hearing that not all pregnant women glow 24/7 can give those who are struggling as well someone to relate to. 

Follow along for more relatable mom and pregnancy content and share with me your struggles in the comments. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#pregnancylife #pregnantstyle #pregnantmama #thebump #momtruth #pregnancyjourney #momlifeunfiltered #motherhoodunplugged #instamommy #momblogs #targetmom #targetstyle #motherly #teammotherly
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I love gett Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I love getting gifts that mean something. 

@picturesongold is exactly the type of gift that I love getting. Custom made lockets with laser engraved pictures inside make this the perfect sentimental gift idea for someone in your life or even for yourself. 
If you order now you can get shipping guaranteed by Mother’s Day. Head to the link in my bio to learn more! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mothersdaygiftideas #mothersdaygift #motherhoodinspired #motherhoodjourney #mombloggers #momsofinsta #giftideasforher #momlifebalance #motherhoodunited
Just a little reminder that @dunkin still has 2 me Just a little reminder that @dunkin still has 2 medium iced coffees for only $5! What better way to reconnect then by grabbing an iced coffee for you and one for a friend?

This fun Dunkin’ pop up Dunkin’ Connections was the perfect spot to grab this cute photo op! Even the kids had fun trying to learn how to use an actual phone! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dunkinmaine #dunkinpartner #dunkinconnections #mainemama #newenglandblogger #maineliving #motherhoodmoments #momstyle #momsofinsta #coffeedaily #visitmaine 
#easystyle
I’m not sure about you, but I love saving money I’m not sure about you, but I love saving money on everyday items!! #BJsWholesalePartner That’s why I shop at BJ’s Wholesale Club. And now there is one more reason to love shopping @BJsWholesale: BJ’s Fuel Savers Program! Now through the end of April, BJ’s members who spend $100 in-club or on a pickup order, will receive an additional 50 cents off per gallon at the pump. This discount will be reflected when they fill up outside at the pump at BJ’s Gas after making a $100+ purchase in-club. (In-club purchase and gas purchase must be made on the same day in order to receive the additional discount). So, become a BJ’s member today and fill up your pantry, fridge and your gas tank with these amazing deals and savings. 
This special BJ’s Gas offer is valid from now until the end of 
#bjswholesaleclub #BjsSmartSaver 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#momstyle #momblogs #motherhoodalive #newenglandliving #mainemom #moneysavingtips #momswhoblog #momsofig
Follow Me on Instagram

Tags

Baby baby items Back to school birth cesarean section Children Christmas Christmas gifts Family travel Fourth trimester Gift Ideas Goals Healthy Healthy Kids Healthy Living Holiday Home Home decor Kids Life changes Lifestyle Maine Maine Living Mom mom life Mom style motherhood Motherhood unplugged Mother’s Day moving forward new baby New England living New England travel new mom New Year Parenting pregnancy preparing for baby Relationships second child Toddler Travel travel with kids Weight Loss Working mom
Anyone else struggle getting enough sleep? I know Anyone else struggle getting enough sleep? I know I do, especially lately.
(ad) @marlowpillow is helping me get better sleep with their cooling, memory foam pillows that are adjustable to the firmness that you like. Making my bed a cozier place to be allows me to get the rest my body is desperate for. Make sure to check out my stories to learn more! 
And the more you buy, the more you save so keep that in mind when your looking to update your space! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mycozyhome #homedecorinspo #bedroominspo #cozybedroom #pregnancylife #bettersleep #bedtimereading #momlifeunfiltered #pregnantmama #motherhoodsimplified #bedroomstyling #sleepytime
A little in my feels this weekend with Mother’s A little in my feels this weekend with Mother’s Day and officially being past the halfway point in this pregnancy. 
Time really does fly by so fast that it’s hard to keep up and before I know it, a new little one will be joining our small, crowded home. Trying to get as much stuff done before that happens including adding storage options where I am able to. 
Thankful to @nathanjames furniture for helping to add just that while being stylish with this beautiful Kova storage unit. Link in my bio to get one for your home. 

How do you organize your small spaces to keep your sanity with kids?! I need all the tips! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#cornerofmyhome #homedecorideas #smallspaces #homedecorating #maineliving #newenglandliving #momsofig #momstyle #homestylinginspo #organizedhome #lifewithkids
As a mom, one of the scariest things is to have a As a mom, one of the scariest things is to have a sick child, and as a nurse, I know how disruptive health issues can be on the lives of children and teens. Thankfully The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center is close by and provides high quality healthcare to the many children of Maine, and today, BBCH became one of the first hospitals in the country to receive the Connecting Joy grant from the @dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation! #DunkinPartner
 
Maine’s Dunkin’ franchisees have given more than $500,000 to The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital since 2012, mainly through the annual Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day campaign fundraiser (taking place on May 25th this year!). On Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day, $1 from every iced coffee sold at participating Maine Dunkin’ locations will be donated to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to bring joy to kids at BBCH. (Excludes Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew.)
The $87k @JoyInChildhood grant will help bring joy through gaming experiences to pediatric patients with the hope of normalizing their stays at hospitals. Children that are living with chronic illness or dealing with a hospitalization are at greater risk than their peers for the impact of stress and anxiety. Distraction is a healthy coping mechanism for kids and teens to disengage with the hospital environment. Gaming provides the perfect escape to play, relax, laugh and experience joy.This grant will have an immediate impact by adding structure and staff support for gaming as part of the hospitals’ Child Life Program. 
Today, a Dunkin’ sampling truck provided free small, iced coffees and Munchkins to more than 1,000 Maine Medical Center employees in Portland and Scarborough. 
 
Dunkin’ is not only supporting the children of Maine, but the healthcare workers too. So, make sure to grab an iced coffee at Dunkin’ on May 25th to help support these wonderful programs as well! 
 . 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#DunkinMaine #SipIcedBringJoy #BringJoy #mainelife #mainemom #newenglandliving #newenglandstyle #momstyle #workingmomlife #mommyandme #coffeelife #motherhoodinspired
A little over halfway there. Even though hitting A little over halfway there. 
Even though hitting these milestones feels slight reassuring, I know I won’t fully be able to breath until this little one is out and healthy. Even appointments bring about their own set of fears that something may be wrong. For now, I’m just taking it day by day and week by week and having hope that everything will be ok.

Any other moms or moms to be out there forgo the weekly pictures? I just can’t ever get my shit together enough to remember to take them. Tell me I’m not the only one. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#momtobe #pregnantlife #pregnantstyle #pregnancyafterloss #motherhoodjourney #20weekspregnant #momoftwo #baby3 
#honestmommin #mommyandme #honestmom #momsofig #motherhoodthroughinstagram
Sometimes I feel like I am the only one that doesn Sometimes I feel like I am the only one that doesn’t enjoy pregnancy on this platform.
I love the end result and am so grateful to be creating a new life but lately I have had more bad days then good days. 

I’m exhausted, sick and barely have enough energy to get through the things that I need to do let alone the things that I used to enjoy like working out. The stress of trying to figure out how I’m going to get through the next 18 weeks has been overwhelming to me lately. 
I will still share the joys but I also think it’s more realistic to share the downfalls too so hopefully hearing that not all pregnant women glow 24/7 can give those who are struggling as well someone to relate to. 

Follow along for more relatable mom and pregnancy content and share with me your struggles in the comments. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#pregnancylife #pregnantstyle #pregnantmama #thebump #momtruth #pregnancyjourney #momlifeunfiltered #motherhoodunplugged #instamommy #momblogs #targetmom #targetstyle #motherly #teammotherly
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I love gett Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I love getting gifts that mean something. 

@picturesongold is exactly the type of gift that I love getting. Custom made lockets with laser engraved pictures inside make this the perfect sentimental gift idea for someone in your life or even for yourself. 
If you order now you can get shipping guaranteed by Mother’s Day. Head to the link in my bio to learn more! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mothersdaygiftideas #mothersdaygift #motherhoodinspired #motherhoodjourney #mombloggers #momsofinsta #giftideasforher #momlifebalance #motherhoodunited
Just a little reminder that @dunkin still has 2 me Just a little reminder that @dunkin still has 2 medium iced coffees for only $5! What better way to reconnect then by grabbing an iced coffee for you and one for a friend?

This fun Dunkin’ pop up Dunkin’ Connections was the perfect spot to grab this cute photo op! Even the kids had fun trying to learn how to use an actual phone! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dunkinmaine #dunkinpartner #dunkinconnections #mainemama #newenglandblogger #maineliving #motherhoodmoments #momstyle #momsofinsta #coffeedaily #visitmaine 
#easystyle
I’m not sure about you, but I love saving money I’m not sure about you, but I love saving money on everyday items!! #BJsWholesalePartner That’s why I shop at BJ’s Wholesale Club. And now there is one more reason to love shopping @BJsWholesale: BJ’s Fuel Savers Program! Now through the end of April, BJ’s members who spend $100 in-club or on a pickup order, will receive an additional 50 cents off per gallon at the pump. This discount will be reflected when they fill up outside at the pump at BJ’s Gas after making a $100+ purchase in-club. (In-club purchase and gas purchase must be made on the same day in order to receive the additional discount). So, become a BJ’s member today and fill up your pantry, fridge and your gas tank with these amazing deals and savings. 
This special BJ’s Gas offer is valid from now until the end of 
#bjswholesaleclub #BjsSmartSaver 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#momstyle #momblogs #motherhoodalive #newenglandliving #mainemom #moneysavingtips #momswhoblog #momsofig
Follow Me on Instagram
2022  Design by SkyandStars.co
Back Top