IL Families Could Lose Child Care

Child care centers across the state could soon be quiet. State money problems could slash payment assistance programs next week.

To give you an idea of just how big of a problem families are facing: Right now more than 3700 families get help in just six Central Illinois counties. But soon that will cut back to only 740.

Directors at Anabelle Huling in Rantoul say over 70 percent of their kids get help from the state. Others are paid for by DCFS. And when it comes down to it, 8 out of 10 families will lose child care.

Leaders fear parents will be forced to either quit their jobs and staying home with kids. Or put their children in an unsafe situation.

"They'll be afraid of what will happen if they can't pay the rent, and put food on the table. So they will just leave maybe with someone who is already watching 20 or 30 children," says Director Kim Clendaniel.  "Or maybe with a sibling who's not old enough to make wise choices. And those will be unsafe situations for children."

Full text available at WCIA-3 News.