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Child care’s long-standing strains brought to light in Covid era
Experts say pandemic relief is a start to addressing gaps, not a solution
December 15, 2020
Roberta Royce has always thought of the childcare industry as resilient.
When the novel coronavirus upended businesses, schools and social systems this year, she was hopeful The Winchester Learning Center, where she serves as executive director, would find a way to keep providing care throughout the crisis.
But the challenges were significant, from the high cost of personal protective equipment for employees to a decline in enrollment as some parents opted for family care over group settings.
Roberta Royce has always thought of the child-care industry as resilient.
When the novel coronavirus upended businesses, schools and social systems this year, she was hopeful The Winchester Learning Center, where she serves as executive director, would find a way to keep providing care throughout the crisis.
But the challenges were significant, from the high cost of personal protective equipment for employees to a decline in enrollment as some parents opted for family care over group settings.
So the center applied for relief through New Hampshireâs Childcare Recovery and Stabilization Program and was awarded $28,200 â funds that have helped support scholarships for families and cover PPE costs, Royce said.