Bell : Survey of Child-Care Needs Begins Under State Grant

As part of an in-depth look at child-care programs offered in Bell, more than 5,000 surveys are being distributed to residents and people who work in the city.

The 90-question surveys, which are printed in English and Spanish, ask residents and employees in the city when they need child care, what they do when they need child care, and what kind of child care they want. Respondents are also asked their age, the number and ages of their children, marital status, occupation and income.

“We know from our school population that there are a lot of kids in our community, and there is a tremendous need to provide adequate, affordable child care for them,” Mayor George Cole said. “We need to find out what those specific needs are so that we can start a (child-care) program that really works.”

The surveys are to be returned by March 15. City officials say that once the study is completed they will have a clearer picture of where and when child care should be offered, how much it will cost and who should provide it. The survey and study are being funded by a $25,000 state Department of Education grant. Bell is one of four cities in the state to receive a child-care assessment grant.