Helping Parents With Child Care

By Katy Chen
Wednesday - November 03, 2010 Share

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By Katy Chen, Executive Director
PATCH

Child care! Where can I find someone? How do I know if the care provider is any good? Will I be able to afford it?

Every Hawaii parent, especially working parents, has had to face these questions. As a parent of two young children myself, I know the worry that comes with trying to find quality, affordable child care, especially since 85 percent of a human’s brain development occurs during the first five years of life!

This is why PATCH is critical to our community. Founded in 1976 as a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit, PATCH helps working families with free child-care referrals, whether you’re looking for a preschool, family child care or before- and after-school care.

We also connect parents to resources to help pay for child care, as well as other resources to guide them through the selection process so they can be confident when choosing care that is best for their family.

And unlike other referral agencies, we refer only those providers who are state licensed and thus meet health and safety standards.

Last year alone, we helped more than 12,000 families find child care. One such example is Virginia Thompson, a single mom in the Army who recently called PATCH asking for help for her 2-year-old son.

A PATCH child-care provider keeps two siblings occupied with fun activities while their parents work

“There was no care available on base and, even if there was a vacancy, the hours wouldn’t have worked for when I needed care,” explained Virginia. “Now I have a provider who is flexible, and my son is very happy.”

PATCH also runs free training classes in early childhood education and care for parents, care providers and those interested in opening their own child-care business.

We were recently named the 2010 Aloha United Way Nonprofit of the Year, but we need the community’s help to continue our mission of supporting Hawaii’s child-care needs.

Donations or volunteers to help at our many community events and fundraisers are always welcome. Contact PATCH at 839-1988 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or visit us online at patchhawaii.org.

Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.