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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Advocates for children are calling the lack of childcare in Monroe County a crisis.
The problem is especially acute for newborns to age three.
According to a newly released report by the Children’s Agenda, there are only three slots for every 10 babies and toddlers who need care in Monroe County.
That’s because daycares have closed in recent years.
For example, in the last five years, there’s been a 22% decline in the number of licensed childcare providers in Rochester and an 18% decline in the suburbs.
Karrah Lawler, a teacher at Generations Childcare, said even she had to be placed on a waiting list as soon as she learned she was pregnant.
“I’m just lucky that I also actually work here, so I’m very very lucky and fortunate to bring him with me but still the affordability is a hardship on many working mothers,” Lawler said.
Leaders from Generations as well as the Childrens Agenda are boarding a bus headed to Albany on Feb. 4 to urge the governor to make investment in the state’s childcare system a priority.
They’re asking other advocates to join them, or call the governor’s office at 518-474-8390.
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