Study reveals tremendous need for child care in the UD

(as reported by Madeleine Mullins  KXLY)

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Finding affordable child care near where you live and work is a challenge for many parents. Spokane's University District is working to solve this problem for local families.

"There is definitely a tremendous need for child care within the district. There's a tremendous amount of children and a tremendous amount of single parents within the district itself," said Juliet Sinisterra, CEO of the University District.

A recent study by the University District found a significant gap in child care services. The area, home to students, professors, medical professionals, and families, has identified this as a pressing need.

"Child care is just a key component to urbanism. A healthy urban environment needs to have accessible, affordable, well-run childcare facilities," said Sinisterra.

This problem extends beyond Spokane. According to Child Care Aware of Washington, the state has lost 2,000 childcare providers over the past 12 years, leaving fewer options for parents.

Some parents have made tough choices due to the shortage. Elizabeth Terril, a mother of two, shared her experience: "I transitioned to a stay-at-home mom because we just couldn't find a child care solution that would make it worthwhile for us."

Terril noted that many families don't have the option to live on one income.

The University District is now planning solutions.

"We're actually looking to be implementing some of this work in the next few years, to really create this kind of living, vibrant district that supports people going to school, working, raising children, but living in a thriving urban environment," Sinisterra said.

The goal is to create a family-friendly neighborhood where parents can access quality child care near their homes and workplaces.