Letter to the editor: Child care critical, in need of funding

I have been an early child care educator and advocate for 28 years. I have owned and operated Helping Hands Childcare & Learning Center in Imperial for 21 years. On March 16 my doors closed to the 65 families the center serves and the 14 educators I employ. The abrupt closure left no time for planning for families and staff.

I understand the closures of businesses for the safety and health of our communities. The impact of closing child care centers, however, has highlighted what those of us in the industry have always known: Child care centers play a significant role in the operations of our communities, economy and country. People can not go to work and do their jobs if they do not have reliable, safe, quality child care supporting them. It is unfortunate that it has taken a pandemic for our community, legislators and politicians to see the value and necessity of child care.

Being closed for almost two months could bankrupt me. I have applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan, but that funding will only pay the employees. It does not pay me or cover other business costs. Reopening seems impossible without additional funding.

Melissa Merritt

North Fayette