Being a parent is simultaneously one of the most difficult and rewarding experiences that many adults every go through. On one hand, you get to watch a new, innocent life come into the world, show them love and protection, and guide them through each milestone that comes along with growing up. On the other hand, it’s rare that you get to dedicate 100 percent of your day to caring for your children. In fact, most people enjoy only the bare minimum for maternity leave, because they have to go back to work as soon as humanly possible.

Having A Child Is A Life Changing Experience…For Better And For Worse

However, when it comes time to go back to work, many working families have a difficult decision to make. Send their child to preschool or endure the financial loss of having one parent withdraw from the workforce permanently? You might think that decision is ridiculous, but for many the scarcity of quality child care along with constantly rising costs puts them between a rock and a hard place.

The Child Care And Health In America Report

In 2016, NPR, along with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, surveyed more than 1,000 parents nationwide about their child care experiences, and a whopping 33 percent of people surveyed reported difficulty finding preschool and/or child care. Without preschool options that are convenient, high-quality, and affordable, both children and parents can suffer long-term consequences.

From the report:

“Nearly three-quarters of parents (71%) whose child receives care from someone other than a relative give at least one quality-related reason for choosing their child’s particular provider or program over another provider or program. When asked to describe these reasons in their own words, key features of quality mentioned by parents are providers’ trustworthiness (20%), quality of care generally (14%), activities for learning/cognitive development (13%), and providers’ education and training (12%).”

“Beyond quality, other top reasons reflect the importance of cost and convenience in child care choice. Parents whose child receives care from someone other than a relative most commonly mention location (27%), cost (18%), and hours (8%) as reasons for choosing one provider or program over another.”

What Happens When Kids Can’t Go To Preschool?

Preschool is rarely required by law, so why is it such a big deal if kids can’t go because a) a child care facility isn’t available or b) said child care facility isn’t high-quality enough or affordable?

1. Parents may leave or lose job, leading to depression, resentment, and at the very least, a drastic reduction in household resources
2. Children miss out on vital opportunities for socialization and development
3. Children may fall behind their peers in intellectual achievement
4. Children may lack self-confidence, creating a issue of parental “clinginess”
5. Children may suffer from weaker immune system when they finally enroll in elementary school
6. Children may experience behavioral challenges later on in life, including “naughty” behavior or an inability to interact with others productively

Just For Kids Provides Reliable, Affordable Preschool In Chicago

Although we realize we can’t solve all of these child care issues for every parent in Chicago, Just For Kids LLC does aim to be a different kind of preschool and daycare provider.

Just For Kids is located in Chicago’s Beverly area. We understand that it can be tough to get everyone ready for work and school, and out the door on time. The last thing you need is to go far out of your way to drop the kids off at preschool. We are close to I-57 and within walking distance from the Metra Trains.

Our before and after school programs are open from 7 in the morning, until 6 at night. We understand that each working family has a different schedule, and worrying that you might not get your kids to preschool on time, or that you might be slightly late picking them up in the afternoon, isn’t something anyone looks forward to. We offer parents the flexibility they need to have peace of mind about their childcare. Just For Kids LLC employs stimulating activities and hands-on teaching styles in our preschool classes. Preschool shouldn’t just be glorified babysitting. There’s no reason that preschool can’t give your child a head start on the learning that will continue in elementary school and beyond.

Contact us to schedule a tour today!