Protecting Our Children: Summer magnifies child-care challenges

June 26--Diamond Stevens of Somerset is driving about 40 miles a day to get her four girls to a child care center.

Alicia Moser of Johnstown quit her part-time job this summer because she couldn't qualify for subsidized child care.

Both situations illustrate challenges facing families across the state when it comes to finding quality child care.

Waiting lists for openings, waiting lists for subsidies and geographic situations have many families frustrated, experts say.

The state Department of Human Services oversees licensed day-care providers, and operates a child-care provider search tool through its website, www.dhs.pa.gov.

The department also coordinates information from service-provider agencies for every county.

Cambria County Child Care Information Service is part of the Cambria County Child Development Corp. organization.

"I think we have enough child-care facilities overall, but not necessarily in the areas where they are needed," Oriana Poruban, resource and referral coordinator, said at the agency's office in Ebensburg.

"In the northern part of (Cambria) county, they are fewer and farther between. In the evening, you will not find any that are licensed facilities."

Subsidies, waiting lists

Stevens had her 1-year-old daughter, Skylar, in a Somerset day care center while Skylar's sisters -- Rhianna, 11; Jaelyn, 9; and Lexi, 7 -- were in school.

But the center did not have room for all four girls over the summer.

Stevens then found openings at The Rainbow Connection in Stoystown and is driving about 10 miles each way on days she works.

"That was literally my only option," Stevens said.

The daily cost adds up, and Stevens said she was still waiting to hear if she could get a subsidy to help pay for day care.

Child care subsidies are based on income and family size. Those programs are also administered by the child care information services.

In Somerset and Bedford counties, the service is run by the Center for Community Action.

"We provide the funding mechanism," Executive Director Wendy Melius said. "We provide to the provider directly."

Families may apply for subsidized care through the child care information service office in each county, but Melius warns there have been waiting lists for new funding. If the funding is delayed very long, families who need summer day care are often left struggling, she said.

Working parents

It's not just the wait. Regulations also prevent some from getting help with care.

Moser was working part-time at a local retail store while her two children were in prekindergarten and kindergarten.

In order to watch them at home, she could only work 15 hours a week.

She was hoping to get the children in day care and work more hours over the summer, but because she couldn't work the required 20 hours a week during school, she was denied a subsidy for the summer.

"It's a catch-22," she said, adding that she would have to quit working for the summer.

The situation is frustrating, Moser said.

"I'm not asking for a sitter to go drink," she said. "I am asking for help to get a job and better my family."

She is not alone. Destiny Hoffman hears similar stories from parents of members of the Girl Scout troop she coordinates at Solomon Homes in Johnstown.

"I have so many parents that come to me with child care issues," Hoffman said.

Some parents say their children are missing out on summer activities because subsidies require a minimum number of days or hours, regardless of a parent's work schedule.

"Sometimes, it's hard to just enjoy your kids when you get a day off," Hoffman said.

Summer camps

Providers do their best to meet the needs, said Leah Spangler, CEO of The Learning Lamp.

"During the summer months, the primary need is typically for school-age children," Spangler said. "We offer a summer camp at multiple locations."

The summer camp program provides child care from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with organized activities from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Locations include Richland, Westmont, Somerset, Ebensburg, Jennerstown and Conemaugh Township, Somerset County.

Parents are not required to leave their children at camp for the entire day, she added. The idea is to keep children active and provide a fun alternative to traditional day care centers.

"The program typically serves nearly 1,000 children a year," Spangler said.

Child care centers such as those operated by The Learning Lamp represent one of three categories of day-care license in the state. There are also family child care homes, which can serve up to six children, and group child care homes to serve seven to 12 children, Poruban said.

There are also regulations on minimum staffing levels for various ages and situations, Spangler said.

Parents can review the current status of a day care center's license on the Department of Human Services website, including information about recent inspections.

'Ask questions'

Not all child care providers serve all ages of children, and hours of operation vary. That information is also available on the child care provider search.

The internet search should not be the only tool used when selecting child care, Poruban stressed.

"Be prepared to go into the facility and ask questions," Poruban said. "Ask about the qualifications of the director and the staff. Make sure they have their official licensed displayed."

The child care information service agencies provide some counseling, but make no recommendations, she added.

"Visit more than one day care so you have something to compare it to," Poruban said. "Do the children seem happy?"

Stevens said she has explored a number of options with her girls over the years, including neighborhood babysitters and family members.

The current situation has her so frustrated she is looking into starting her own center. She's even found a location.

"I spoke with an attorney, and we are working through the rules and regulations," Stevens said.

"I hope I can figure out the ins and outs."

Randy Griffith is a multimedia reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 532-5057. Follow him on Twitter @PhotoGriffer57.

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