Some parents sticking with daycare despite state pulling vouchers
SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) — Parents in are willing to pay the price to stick with the daycare they trust.The state removed the government voucher program from Miracles and Blessings Daycare Ministry, stating a lack of supervision is the reason a child died there last week.
When we approached the building today, staff wouldn’t answer but two parents did.
They said the media attention has been stressful and their children have been wondering why cameras are outside.
But nothing, not even strong words from the state, are going to make them change their minds.
As cars rushed on along 10th Street, parents made their way into Miracles and Blessings Daycare Ministry knowing full well doing so was now going to cost some of them.
“It was hurtful, because like me and I’m pretty sure a lot of other parents, sometimes you need that voucher to help with your kid,” the first mother said, who asked we hide her identity.
But as of Tuesday, the daycare was no longer receiving government vouchers to help low income families.
It’s part of the penalty the state laid out in a letter, claiming the facility “poses an immediate threat to the life and well being of the children,” after 10-month-old Talia Brigham was found lifeless at the daycare last week.
“The whole daycare staff is very lovable and it does not pose a threat,” the first mother said. “I don’t feel nervous, I don’t feel scared when I take (my child) in there.”
“We stand behind the daycare 100 percent,” the second mother told us.
Although they hid their identities, they didn’t hide their feelings, especially about the letter the state hand delivered to them.
It suggested families who need vouchers should start searching for a new daycare immediately.
“I just feel like they could at least wait until Friday and that would have gave people some time over the weekend if they wanted to find another daycare, they could have,” the first mother said.
“That stuff takes time. You have to take off work. You just can’t go to a facility and start that day. The paperwork is overwhelming, ” said the second mother.
It’s why they’d rather stick with the place they trust despite the investigation, despite what it might now cost.
“If I got to sacrifice and pay every day, I will. But I feel that my son is not (threatened),” the mother said.
The daycare can appeal the state’s ruling on the vouchers. A judge would then determine if the ruling should be voided. Since we haven’t heard from the daycare’s staff, we don’t know if they’ve requested the hearing.