Dear Friends and Community Partners,

You are invited to a Community Listening Session to discuss the impact of recent CCDF funding cuts and how they affect families, childcare providers, businesses, schools, and our entire community.

Wednesday, October 1st at 6:30 pm: The Rumpus Room Play Café 410 N Monroe Street, Mooresville, IN 46158

These cuts don’t just hurt low-income families; they threaten the stability of childcare for all. Without reliable childcare, parents can’t work, businesses lose employees, and schools feel the ripple effects. This is not just a family issue; it’s an economic issue.

Stable childcare supports a strong workforce, thriving local businesses, and a healthier community for everyone.

Real People, Real Stories.

Meet Adam, an ICU nurse married to a doctor. If CCDF funding is cut and childcare costs rise, Adam may have to leave his job to stay home with his children. That’s not just a personal loss. That’s one less trained nurse in the ICU when your loved one is in crisis.

Childcare funding is not just a “low-income” issue. It affects all families, all incomes, and the entire economy.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/164iqNiK9i

A single mom shares how CCDF vouchers gave her the chance to leave Desert Rose Domestic Violence Shelter, rebuild her life, and protect her children.

CCDF is more than financial help — it’s freedom and safety. Without it, many women remain trapped in violent relationships because they can’t afford childcare.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CqQgHkLp1

Some say: “Why should I pay for someone else’s childcare? Just get a job.”

Here’s the truth: Families are trying to keep their jobs. That’s why CCDF matters. Without consistent, affordable childcare, parents are forced out of the workforce. Here is another family’s story about how their family is already maxed out in terms of out-of-pocket expenses.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A7whLYDua

The effects of these cuts are staggering. At The Growing Garden Learning Center, a Paths to Quality Level 3 high-quality childcare center, the numbers tell the story.
This summer, the loss of On My Way PreK funding forced $3,000 in weekly cuts. Now, the latest round of CCDF cuts equals another $2,214 per week in lost revenue.
That adds up to $260,000 per year cut from the budget—in just 90 days. These cuts have already resulted in the loss of staff, reduced learning and classroom materials—and still, the loss isn’t fully covered.

Amanda Cox at Learning Land, another Paths to Quality Level 3 high-quality childcare center, had this to say at this week’s listening session: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16yGRNeaZJ/

Passing these costs on to families is just not an option. Please join us on Wednesday, October 1st, at 6:30 pm to listen, learn, and stand with families and providers as we advocate for the future of childcare in our community. Bring a friend!

With Gratitude,

Jen Palmer, Owner/Director

President, Morgan County Early Learning Coalition

Child Care Task Force Leader, Better Communities Coalition