Express-Times: LTE: Many child care centers will need government help to reopen
April 22, 2020

As a former preschool teacher and child care center director, it was my dream to open my own high-quality center. After two years of planning, my dream was realized when I opened the doors of Bright Beginnings Montessori Academy in September 2019.

In March, because of COVID-19, I closed my doors, and like other small business owners, I’m continuing to pay rent, utilities and insurance on an empty building. I’m currently working on achieving a STAR 3 rating, which designates high-quality child care in Pennsylvania. Being able to choose a high-quality site is what families deserve, now more than ever, when they are able to safely return to work.

I want nothing more than to be able to reopen when this crisis has passed, but I’m concerned about how my program will survive. It’s estimated that we could lose up to half the childcare capacity in the state. If I have to close my doors permanently, how will the families that relied on me to care for their children be able to return to work? I urge my legislators to include childcare in the stimulus package. The health of our economy depends on these funds.

Ibis Fernando

Bright Beginnings Montessori Academy

Northampton

Read the LTE here.