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Squeezed Parents Dump Daycare

Kids often home alone, but cost 'ludicrous' if 'you can't afford rent'

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 21, 2008 2:43 PM CST

(Newser) – As the tanking economy squeezes parents with skyrocketing unemployment and foreclosures, experts are noticing that it's the little children who suffer—in the form of fast-emptying daycare centers. As the Washington Post reports, strapped families desperate to cut costs are pulling their kids out of programs that can cost hundreds a month, sometimes leaving them home alone, or with barely older siblings. "We talk about day care, but that's ludicrous when you can't even afford to pay your rent," says one Maryland pastor.

The president of a daycare providers' association says she's never seen such an exodus, noting significant vacancies in centers that always had a waiting list. "They're taking them out of day care and putting them into homes with grandmothers and neighbors and whoever else," she said.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Children from a daycare are escorted in Harlem, New York on Wednesday, Aug. 1,2007. Many daycare centers, especially those catering to lower- and middle-income families, are seeing declining demand. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

Even daycare centers that had long waiting lists just months ago now are advertising openings, and some have had to close certain locations. (©Jimmcclarty)

Daycare providers have reported diminishing demand, even in communities where parents receive subsidized care. For some families, it seems even the copay is too much to afford. (©Eugenia_y_Julian)

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We talk about day care, but that's ludicrous when you can't even afford to pay your rent. - The Rev. Ben Slye, who has stood up for families with childcare dilemmas

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Squeezed Parents Dump Daycare