Child-Care Dilemma

Working parents who have struggled for years to find child care will be delighted to know that politicians (and editors!) have finally discovered this crisis.

While the demand for care certainly exceeds the supply, it is not always due to a shortage of willing, qualified providers. As a registered nurse and a working parent I had many times faced the dilemma of what to do with a sick child. I tried for two years to open a center for mildly ill children in Ventura County. Denied a conventional loan and unable to interest local employers--including hospitals--in a joint venture, I turned to the City Council. Despite strong support from working parents and local organizations--including the United Way--I was turned down.

The fact that our state, local and federal governments have not been able to assure care for children is nothing short of a crime. I am convinced that legislation is needed to effect a change. Cities should be required by law to formulate a child-care policy and appoint a child-care coordinator. Developers (both corporate and residential) and large employers must by law provide space and/or funds for child care. Lending institutions should be required to give priority to those applying for loans for child-care facilities. While incentives such as tax credits are helpful, the problem is too big and too long neglected for incentives only to work. Eventually, of course, employers will realize that providing child care is financially beneficial. We cannot wait for eventually.

Men today are very involved and concerned about child care. This is, however, still primarily a women’s issue. Women’s organizations must get on the bandwagon on this. All working parents must push their employers for child care and demand child-care involvement from politicians.

BEVERLY FAIRBAIRN

Thousand Oaks