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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

 

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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

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Hi! I'm Danielle. I'm a mom, girlfriend and ED nurse. I love sharing my honest take on all things mom as well as life!

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Missed miscarriage. Something I wasn’t prepared Missed miscarriage.

Something I wasn’t prepared for, something I didn’t even know was possible until it happened to me. Something I have thought about for the past couple weeks. Essentially my body still thinks it’s pregnant even though there is no fetal heart activity and so I sit here, after my D&C with all these emotions coursing through me. 

I’m sad. Sad for the little life that never really grew and I will never know. 

I’m disappointed. Disappointed in my body for not doing what it should have done on its own and having to sit with this while I waited to be scheduled for a D&C.

I’m upset. I’m upset that this happened to me. Upset that it has to happen to any woman. 

Finally, I’m pissed. Pissed that I had to go through this alone. That I had to sit in that ultrasound room alone because of the office policy of no visitors. That my husband couldn’t be there when they told me that my baby no longer has a heartbeat and having to make the decision about what to do by myself. I’m pissed that people can go to bars, restaurants and pack themselves into the mall but I couldn’t have someone there to hold my hand while I was delivered news that would turn my entire world upside down. 

It just doesn’t make sense. None of it makes sense.
I debated even sharing this sine miscarriage is such a taboo topic, but a lot of people have reached out to see if I’m ok and I don’t want to pretend it didn’t exist as well as to let others know that they aren’t alone during this time even when all they feel is alone. 

I took this photo the day I found out I was pregnant, hoping to share it eventually but instead I’ll share it now.
Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bon Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bondiboost which is giving my hair the boost it needs to grow long and thick! Seriously their hair growth line is exactly what your hair needs if your looking to grow those locks out! 

This year @bondiboost turns 3 and they are gifting you 30% off their entire site! That means 30% off anything site wide with the code BBTurns3 so make sure to stock up on all your fave Bondiboost products or give them a try now with this amazing savings! 
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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bondiboostpartner 
#boostyourroots 
#bondiboostus 
#haircaretips 
#momhair
“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
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.
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.
.
#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
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.
.
.
.
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.
#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
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Missed miscarriage. Something I wasn’t prepared Missed miscarriage.

Something I wasn’t prepared for, something I didn’t even know was possible until it happened to me. Something I have thought about for the past couple weeks. Essentially my body still thinks it’s pregnant even though there is no fetal heart activity and so I sit here, after my D&C with all these emotions coursing through me. 

I’m sad. Sad for the little life that never really grew and I will never know. 

I’m disappointed. Disappointed in my body for not doing what it should have done on its own and having to sit with this while I waited to be scheduled for a D&C.

I’m upset. I’m upset that this happened to me. Upset that it has to happen to any woman. 

Finally, I’m pissed. Pissed that I had to go through this alone. That I had to sit in that ultrasound room alone because of the office policy of no visitors. That my husband couldn’t be there when they told me that my baby no longer has a heartbeat and having to make the decision about what to do by myself. I’m pissed that people can go to bars, restaurants and pack themselves into the mall but I couldn’t have someone there to hold my hand while I was delivered news that would turn my entire world upside down. 

It just doesn’t make sense. None of it makes sense.
I debated even sharing this sine miscarriage is such a taboo topic, but a lot of people have reached out to see if I’m ok and I don’t want to pretend it didn’t exist as well as to let others know that they aren’t alone during this time even when all they feel is alone. 

I took this photo the day I found out I was pregnant, hoping to share it eventually but instead I’ll share it now.
Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bon Trying out a new hair growth system thanks to @bondiboost which is giving my hair the boost it needs to grow long and thick! Seriously their hair growth line is exactly what your hair needs if your looking to grow those locks out! 

This year @bondiboost turns 3 and they are gifting you 30% off their entire site! That means 30% off anything site wide with the code BBTurns3 so make sure to stock up on all your fave Bondiboost products or give them a try now with this amazing savings! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#bondiboostpartner 
#boostyourroots 
#bondiboostus 
#haircaretips 
#momhair
“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
Follow Me on Instagram
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