The Free Press, Mankato, MN - Child-care providers doing all right

Tue, Nov 24 2009

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Bethlehem Childcare Center in Mankato is adding another preschool room on Monday. The addition will increase Bethlehem’s capacity from 60 to 64 students.
Photos by John Cross / The Free Press

Bethlehem Childcare Center is one of many providers in the area that have benefited from Mankato’s recent boom in preschool-aged children.
/ The Free Press

Child-care providers doing all right

Mankato's expansion couches economic difficulties

By Tanner Kent
The Free Press

“I just don’t think we can afford it,” said the 22-year-old, “even with me working part time. When the time comes, we’ll probably have to just rely on friends and family.”

Irene DeJong runs a home-based facility in Mankato and said the economy also has begun affecting the day-care industry in more indirect ways.

Grant funding, which helps many providers maintain stable rates, is getting tougher to secure. And variances, which are issued by the county so providers can bypass regulations for age and capacity in special circumstances, will likely be unavailable in the coming year because of staffing cuts to local government agencies.

“There is not a lot of support,” said DeJong, whose day care caters to families requiring part-time service, “especially for younger providers who haven’t built a reputation yet.”

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