Valley families deserve affordable, quality childcare

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What are your thoughts on availability and affordability of childcare in Phoenix, especially for children with disabilities and special needs? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

OPINION — For more than 30 years, I've called west Phoenix home. I raised my children here, and throughout my life in this community I've met countless families who share the same concern: finding affordable, quality childcare that allows parents to work and children to thrive.

This issue is deeply personal to me. As a former foster mom, I experienced firsthand how difficult and overwhelming it can be to find childcare.

The process was daunting, especially when caring for children who needed stability, support and a safe place to learn and grow.

Today, I see those same challenges facing my own family. My son is a small-business owner and the father of a daughter with special needs. Like many parents, he works hard every day to support his family, but finding childcare that is affordable, flexible and equipped to meet his daughter's needs has not been easy.

Families raising children with disabilities often face even greater barriers to accessing quality care, and that simply isn't acceptable.

That’s why I was encouraged to attend a recent childcare roundtable in the Murphy Elementary School District. I appreciated state Legislative District 11 Rep. Junelle Cavero's participation, along with representatives from U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego’s office and U.S. Congressional District 3 Rep. Yassamin Ansari’s office.  

Hearing directly from parents and providers reinforced what so many of us already know: Childcare is essential for working families, small businesses and a strong economy.

As Arizona approaches nearly 15,000 families waiting for childcare assistance, we need action. I urge Arizona’s congressional delegation to protect and strengthen federal childcare investments, and I call on the Arizona Legislature to continue investing in quality, affordable childcare, especially for children with disabilities.

Our families, our workforce and our children deserve nothing less.

Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.