LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Monday, parents and providers in Las Vegas rallied for affordable childcare as part of the nationwide “Day Without Child Care.”
A clown led the march through Paradise Park on a train. Organizers said they did this to show how ridiculous it is that child care is still out of reach for some Nevadans. At the heart of the event is Assembly Bill 185, a proposal that would make it easier for licensed home-based providers to operate in neighborhoods where they’re currently blocked by HOA rules.
“We know that Nevadans pay a higher rate of their salary for childcare than any other state in the country, and part of addressing that problem is by creating additional high quality childcare seats,” said Tara Raines, deputy director of the Children’s Advocacy Alliance of Nevada.
One parent in attendance, Victoria Hernandez, explained she knows how much those seats matter. As a mom of four and family services coach, she credits Early Head Start with helping her kids, and helping her earn her degree.
“I do not know what where we would be if I didn’t have this, so this is a great help,” said Hernandez.
In Nevada, 72% of residents live in areas considered child care deserts – meaning there simply aren’t enough licensed providers to meet demand. For single mom Ronnie Rowe, child care she says, was the only thing that kept her afloat.
“So once I did find that comfort and, you know, the childcare, I was able to pretty much get out get active, I worked, I’ve been back to school, I’ve gotten my degree,” Rowe said.
Teyana Gaston has two kids – she explained without support from Sunrise Children’s Foundation, she wouldn’t be able to work.
“Where would that leave us as far as even food? Rent? Financially, where would that leave us? So yes, it would affect us tremendously if any of those resources were cut,” Gaston said.
In Nevada, toddler care averages at about $13,000 a year –supporters of SB 185 said it would help increase supply by letting more providers operate out of their home. As competition goes up, prices could start to level out.
AB 185 passed the assembly and is in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee where its awaiting a work session this week. Opposers of the bill are concerned about preserving the residential feel of neighborhoods and limiting increased traffic in those areas.
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