More than 170 day care operators in Maine have closed shop in the past year, and those that remain can't find enough workers. Government aid is on the way, but the industry may need restructuring.
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Maine’s day care centers are struggling to survive, according to a survey of providers in the state. The Maine Association of the Education of Young Children surveyed 470 child care centers in the state and found 58% are understaffed, 41% are operating at a financial deficit and 43% have a growing waitlist. Sign up for our Newsletters The struggles are proving too much for some day care operators. Roots and Fruits preschool at One Tree Center in.
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Gina Forbes holds her 13-month-old daughter, Selena Forbes-Morales, in the playground at Roots and Fruits child care in South Portland on May 20. Roots and Fruits is closing in June after 16 years in business. Forbes, who is director of the child care, said the business broke even pre-pandemic but the last year has only exacerbated existing issues and it is now operating at a deficit. In order to stay running, it would have to cut pay to teachers and raise tuition, and that would not be true to the school’s mission.
Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer
When she wakes up each morning, Christine Biyoga sends up a prayer that today is not the day she gets sick.