Economic pinch felt at Elkhart daycareBy Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)
These empty cubbies really tell the story. In December 2006, the Elkhart Child Development Center was at capacity with 88 children. Two years later that number has dropped nearly 50 percent. They now have only 48 kids. (WSBT photo) ELKHART — The struggling economy is leaving hundreds of people without jobs, and that's creating a ripple effect across the area. Many daycare providers are now struggling to keep enrollment up. Multimedia Closing is a possibility, especially for those who cater to low income families — like Paula Mumaw. "We have an accredited preschool in the morning," said Mumaw, executive director at the Elkhart Child Development Center. "It's just really important for us to try to get the word out and that we are here." They are one of the few daycare providers in the area that caters to low-income families. Mumaw explained, "We do have a sliding fee scale that we are not charging a lot for childcare. It's still high quality childcare." But these days the center is struggling to keep classrooms full. "Right now we're losing some funding because of the economy," said Mumaw. " We're also losing children because of economy. Some are losing jobs and not needing childcare anymore." In December 2006 the Elkhart Child Development Center was at capacity with 88 children. Two years later that number has dropped nearly 50 percent. They now have only 48 kids. If the trend continues, Mumaw says closing the center is a possibility. Parents like Janea Sharpe say if that were to happen she would have nowhere to turn. "I would be in a lot of trouble because I don't have a lot of people to watch my daughter while I go to school. Because like my mom, they work during the day," said Sharpe. Mumaw added, "I mean we're very positive that we're going to keep going and things will look better." The Elkhart Child Development Center is an accredited preschool. The center accepts children between the ages of 13 months to 5 years old. For more information on enrollment or how to donate, call 574-293-5316 or e-mail elkhartchildcare@verizon.net. Most PopularMore Good Stuff |
WSBT WeatherWSBT Weather
Stock QuotesYouNews
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
|
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule
7.00
60 Minutes
8.00
The Amazing Race 15
9.00
Three Rivers
10.00
Cold Case
11.00
WSBT News
11.30
Paid Programming
Question of The DayMost Popular
|
Sun, Nov 22
South Bend
