WACO, Texas — As we continue to navigate this pandemic, there are still a lot of people struggling financially. One of the biggest areas of concern is child care.
Dr. Robert Tennant, a professor at Texas A&M Central Texas, says during the pandemic daycares have been hurting. "Daycare places have really suffered over the last two years and there are a lot less providers," Tennant said. "That has made it more challenging for people wanting to go back to work."
The Texas Work Commission is distributing $3.45 billion statewide to child care providers struggling through the pandemic and $314 million in child care "scholarships" for low-income parents.
The TWC is hopeful that disbursing this money will have a ripple effect on the economy and the labor force.
There are however, providers who have been fortunate enough to make it through the pandemic and do alright.
Ida Johnson, who is the director of Ms. Ida's Child Development Center, says she only closed her care center for two weeks. Her families pay and she hasn't had to cut costs. But, she still qualified to receive relief money and said she'll happily except it.
"I was very happy because I've been in business 22 and a half years and I haven't received any money for anything from anybody," Johnson said.
Any money received from the relief fund must be spent by May 2023 and Johnson already has some ideas in mind. She says she wants to add more space for more kids, specifically two-year-olds, so she can offer her services for more parents that need it.
Even though more people will have access to child care "scholarships", which can be obtained through Workforce Solutions partners all over the state, Johnson says she will always find a way to help parents who need the care but can't afford it.
"If they come to me and tell me they absolutely need care for their baby, if they come to me with that, and tell me that, I will be willing to help," Johnson said. "God put that in my heart to do that to help people and I love it."