INDIANAPOLIS — Dozens of child care providers from around the state gathered on Indianapolis’ east side to warn that recent state budget cuts to early childhood programs are forcing centers to make changes and could lead to closures.
The change reduces the number of children receiving On My Way Pre-K vouchers from 5,000 to 2,500 and lowers weekly assistance from $300 to $150. At the same time, more than 27,000 children remain on the waitlist for the state’s Child Care Development Fund, which helps low-income families pay for care
“I’m afraid for the kids,” said Heather Harvell, director of Little Blessings of Solid Rock. “I’ve lowered my price to the minimum that I can still afford to take care of my employees and keep them there. I’m taking the bare minimum. I’m taking $43 a week. $43 a week doesn’t even cover the snacks and stuff that we get for the kids, but I’m making it work.”…