INDIANAPOLIS — As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and more parents return to work offices, local daycares are struggling to keep up with staffing, and in some cases, are being forced to turn children away.
Cherelle Young, owner of Bright Beginnings Child Care, says staffing has been a challenge lately.
"We are at the point right now where we must hire more people in order to accept more children," said Young. "Sometimes we barely have enough staff to make it for the day."
Young says she and her staff have done everything they can think of to hire more people, even recently spending thousands of dollars on advertising, but only one person was hired.
Right now, they're taking care of around 80 children. Young said they could be caring for around 135 if they had seven to 10 more employees.
"At this point, I get four or five if not more calls a day of parents really begging them to let the kids come, and we are telling them no because we don't have the space — so it's kind of hard for us now," said Antoine Clark, assistant director at Bright Beginnings.
"And they already sound frustrated because they probably already heard no a few more times," Young added.
Right now, the daycare's waiting list is so long no more children can be added.
"I tell people all the time that we have a waiting list that's longer than Washington Street. Parents are continuing to call every day," said Young.
Being forced to turn children away due to short staffing is also hard on employees.
"They are like my grandkids. They are like my grandchildren," said employee Linda Thompson.
During the pandemic, the child care center raised employees' pay from around $8 to $13 an hour in hopes to maintain staff. Those with Child Development Associate credentials can make between $15-17 an hour, Young said.
And it's not an isolated issue. Young said staffing is a challenge for several other child care centers across Indianapolis.
That's why she's hoping folks will step up and apply.
"We are all almost at a standstill and we can't really move forward until we have more staffing," said Young.
Young says they need teachers and teacher aides. For now, they are standing by, willing to train anyone who's interested.
Those who wish to apply can visit Bright Beginnings, located at 10037 Washington St. to pick up an application.
Potential applicants can also email the center at BrightBeginningsChildcare@yahoo.com.
-
Thousands gather for 'No Kings Day of Defiance' protest in Indianapolis
As President Donald Trump plans to celebrate his birthday with a military parade in Washington, D.C., thousands of protesters have gathered at the Indiana Statehouse for "No Kings Day of Defiance."
Game 4: Thunder rally to top Pacers 111-104 and tie Finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from a 10-point, second-half deficit to beat the Indiana Pacers 111-104 on Friday night and tie the NBA Finals at two games apiece.
Silver Alert issued for missing 76-year-old from Warrick County
Debra Bone, 76, is described as a white female, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 172 pounds, with gray hair and green eyes.
IPS helps recent grads stay on track after graduation
The goal is to prevent “summer melt” — an all-too-common trend where college-bound students fail to enroll in the fall despite being accepted and planning to attend.
