By Julia Rabbia, RN, BSN
If you are like many families in Lee County and across the United States, you have had difficulty finding safe, quality care for your kids. As inflation and stagnant wages increase pressure on local families, scarcity of quality child care options leads many to make tough sacrifices at home or in their careers. Trying to find afforable child care in Sanford and beyond can be overwhelming and frustrating with repetitive phone calls, applications, and rejections.
The quality of child care affects many facets of the health and wellbeing of your child and your family as a whole. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, higher quality child care and early education can improve your child’s physical, cognitive, and behavioral health as well as give them a boost in their academic success. Higher quality care also tends to be more reliable, allowing parents like you to work consistent hours and achieve financial stability for your family.
There are several resources in Sanford designed to help you find child care that works for your family. Here are a few options that the PFCF can help you with:
1 ) The North Carolina Child Care Resource and Referral Council (CCR&R)
The CCR&R helps you find the care and education that your child needs. Their organization works to improve the quality of childcare options throughout the state, training staff and analyzing outcomes to better serve your child.
2 ) Child Care Scholarship
Do you live in Lee County and have a child under 5 years old? The Child Care Scholarship provides financial assistance to families like yours who are seeking child care so that parents can work or attend college courses. Submit an application with your details to be considered for this scholarship.
3 ) NC Pre-K
Pre-Kindergarten programs can be a great way to help your child receive high-quality education while under the care of trained professionals. Children are eligible to attend Pre-K programs in North Carolina after they have turned 4 years old. Pre-K has been shown to benefit kids cognitive, behavioral, and social health.
Finding affordable child care can be stressful, but the Partnership For Children and Families can help connect you to the resources and care options you need. By finding high-quality child care, you will protect your child’s health, help their brain development, and set them on the path to success. These programs are designed to help you and your family thrive. Contact us to find out which option is the best for you!
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