Contact your elected officials today
A OPINION By Mandi Joyce-Phelps, Andover NY
If you’re a parent in Allegany County, you know that we live in what many might call a daycare desert. There are very limited options when it comes to reliable, quality childcare for our little ones.
As a parent myself and a former local nonprofit director, I understand how challenging and frightening that can be. When my little guy was born in 2018, I was fortunate enough to find a wonderful childcare provider, but it meant adding an extra 30 minutes to my daily work commute.
My college-aged daughter was recently set to begin working part-time at the YMCA Early Learning Center in Wellsville. It was a wonderful opportunity for her to earn money while also completing an internship required as part of her college curriculum. This morning we received the devastating news that the daycare program would be closing.
While we are disappointed for her and the opportunity she will miss, our hearts are even heavier for the families who depend on this program so they can go to work each day. As parents, knowing that our children are in trusted hands, in a safe and stable environment, is the most important thing in the world.
I also cannot overlook the dedicated staff members who have poured their hearts and souls into caring for these children each day. Their work matters.
The YMCA’s Early Learning Center is more than just a daycare. Its presence is critical to the children it serves, the families who depend on it, and our community as a whole.
Our children deserve quality care. If you share my concerns about the loss of this vital childcare resource, please consider reaching out to the representatives listed below, as I plan to do.
Let them know how important accessible, affordable and reliable childcare is to Allegany County families. I trust they will listen to your concerns.
Mandi Joyce-Phelps, Allegany County parent and community advocate
Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski: sempolinskij@nyassembly.gov
Senator Thomas O’Mara: omara@nysenate.gov
Congressman Nicholas Langworthy: Phone: 202-225-3161
