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Community Corner

Vote YES on Article 21

Finding quality childcare isn’t easy.

 

In 2010 our family moved to Exeter NH. My husband and I work and at that point our children were 2 and 4 and not yet in school. Before we had even closed on the purchase of our new home we started the search for childcare.  

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We began calling around, searching the web, and visiting childcare locations. All of the centers in Exeter were full. Great Bay Kids Company said they would likely have room for our daughter, but probably not our son. We hadn’t anticipated a lack of available childcare. How was I going to find a place to bring our son? And then the reality of having to drive to two different childcare centers on the way to and from work every day on top of an already full day was just another thing added to our already full plates. Our family’s economic freedom and my job security depended on us finding quality childcare and fast. Finally, we got the call. Our son was nearly three and barely old enough to get squeezed into the Great Bay Kids Company program. Our daughter had a spot as well.

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For those of us who choose to work or must work for a better financial footing and less financial stress, childcare is critical to our success. As a parent of kids in childcare, I’ve enjoyed the fact that our children have learned to adapt to different teaching styles, to respect other adult authority figures, and to play well with others at Great Bay Kids Company.

 

As a working couple, my husband and I are able to share household duties, relate to each other’s work commitments and aspirations, and co-parent by coordinating who is going to attend which sports, musical or other events.

 

When I hear or read about other Exeter childcare centers expressing concerns about Great Bay Kids Company growing, I grow concerned. This isn’t about competition this is about community resources for families.

 

Like it or not, childcare availability is scarce in Exeter. Quality childcare is critical to early childhood education and economic freedom for Exeter families.

 

I urge you to vote yes on article 21 to allow Great Bay Kids Company and the town to discuss options for expansion within the town. Our kids deserve the opportunity have quality childcare right here in Exeter. Our families, community members and businesses benefit from dollars staying right here in Exeter.

 

Great Bay Kids Company will grow.

 

Let’s help them grow right here with us, in Exeter.

 

Vote Yes on Article 21.

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