1/8 @SenToomey, @SenBobCasey Hello, my name is Antoinette Cooper. I work in an early childcare center, and the pandemic has changed my job.
2/8 The center I work at is heavily integrated with its community. In the past, many of the staff members became friends with the parents, now that capacity in the building is limited, the whole interaction has become less personal.
3/8 It’s much harder to foster a positive relationship and a sense of trust with people whom you barely see. To make matters worse, enrollment has dropped, further isolating this place from its neighbors, and decreasing the center’s revenue.
4/8 The childcare center has lost around $60,000 this year, and when accounting for money spent on supplies, there’s an extra $5,000 on the negative side of balance sheet. Obviously, there have been consequences.
5/8 To compensate for the lack of funds, our hours have been limited. Our program was open 24 hours, 7 days a week – but that has since dropped to 12 hours, 5 days a week. These shortened hours stifle enrollment, and thus create a feedback loop.
6/8 Despite all these issues, moral is not dead amongst our staff. Every day we open the center with a grateful heart that we are still here and open for business. We know our families depend on quality care to be able to work.
7/8 We are showing up every day and giving our all, but we don't know how much longer we will last. Even though it is dangerous, we would all continue to work here if we could – but soon enough, the choice won’t be ours to make.
8/8 The choice rests upon you. The working class families of America, and my home community, are all depending upon your vote. #SaveChildCare #ECE @StartStrongPA
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