Seeking a Remedy for a Child-Care Dilemma

I was more or less aware that I would get a reaction from my profile in The Times, but, because of a misunderstanding, I was not prepared for such a reaction. The misinformation was that I grossed $56,000 (a year), and after staffing costs and expense I made $30,000.

My payroll is $26,000 because I choose to have two employees in my large family day-care (business). By law I am only required to have one employee, but this did not coincide with my philosophy of quality day care. After these expenses I pay insurance, food, maintenance, health insurance. . . . I actually earn $18,000 per year. I knew this when I started my business, and the rewards greatly outweigh the income.

I received many calls from parents and care-givers and was shocked at how strongly people undervalue any day care. People must realize that the care of their children is the most valuable commodity in their lives. When you undervalue your day-care provider, you undervalue your children. Children simply are the most important thing in your life. Is $20 per day too much to know that your child is secure, nurtured, fed and entertained for up to 12 hours?

CYNTHIA GOODE

Mount Washington