As everyone knows, MA is in a State of Emergency.  What you may not know is that MA Licensed Family Child Cares are also in a State of Emergency!  As a group we are concerned for our futures.   

Our biggest concerns, and the reason for this petition, is to address and bring to your attention some of our worries..... As licensed providers who have dedicated their lives, their families, and their homes upward of 20+ years... Our profession is in danger of extinction.  

Many Family Child Cares will be closing because of lowered attendance and income.  Families are not coming right back to our programs.  Our income is lower because our attendance is lower!  Providers and families are afraid of this virus.

A parent or parents have been laid off or furloughed. 

Parents have found that they can keep children home while working from home.

Parents have hired "nannies" or "babysitters" and are finding this working for them.

Parents are afraid to send children back in contact with other children

Parents have decided to keep children home until after "second surge", especially if older siblings are not (according to CDC recommendations) returning to school full time.  

As of this writing, many of us have not received one phone call from potential clients for the Summer, Fall or beyond.  By now most of us would have waiting lists.  

There is still a fear of Covid-19

All of these situations adversely & greatly affect our livelihoods.  Believe us, collecting unemployment is not our first choice!  The amount being received is, by no means, a comparison to what our incomes are..... but we are clearly looking out for our safety and the safety of our daycare families.   Safety is priority!!! 

We have appreciated the support we have received thus far, but it still did not meet the calculations for a "fair" unemployment.... even with the Cares Act added.   Thank goodness for the extra $$ from the Cares Act. 

OUR CONCERNS;

We fear for our own health, & our families health.  Some of us are in the "dangerous age group".   

Some of us have elderly parents and share in the care of them, which exposing ourselves in turn exposes them. 

Our income is decreased;  There are less children being enrolled.   For many of us, this is our only household income. 

We do not know who the children & their families have been in contact with.  Thus allowing contamination into our homes.   Each illness or contamination will require us to close again.   And, let's not forget that many people (especially children) are walking around asymptomatic.  

We are now faced with the additional costs of altering our programs to new standards and regulations.  These costs come out of our own pockets.  Grants are currently only available to providers who take vouchers.  

There is still a fear of Covid-19.  Anxiety is extremely heightened!    We are continuing to listen to the Science not the politics, and Science predicts a resurgence .... and then what??? 

It is with these concerns that we implore that MA Unemployment &/+ Cares Act benefits be extended until at least September or year-end and grants being awarded be given to ALL providers.    Save our profession, please!

Sincerely,

MA Licensed Family Child Care Providers