DALLAS The cost of child care is going up faster than most American families can afford.
Last year, the average family spent about $972 a month for day care. Pair that with an 8.5 percent unemployment rate and it's an even bigger issue.
Ruel Hamilton, president and CEO of AmeriSouth Realty Group. He co-owns 20 properties in South Dallas, and for the first time is now directly involved in opening a day care center at his Royal Crest Apartments, where there are 165 units.
Many parents need an affordable plan to send kids to day care so they can get a job. Hamilton said it just makes sense.
This is a fundamental thing, he said. They have to have to work or be able to look for work.
We watched about eight residents sprucing up the day care center that's slated to open the first week of February.
April Johnson is completing training to work at the day care, where her grandchildren will also attend. When they see me out in the community and they say, 'Hey Mrs. Johnson! that'll make me excited, too, she said.
I think the most important thing you can provide to people down here is the opportunity to have jobs, Hamilton said. That's the biggest missing piece, and child care is a big obstacle for that.
Resident Constance Williams had been without a job for two years now. Unemployment? That don't last long, so I just thank God that I got this opportunity to be here, she said.
The ladies became certified to work at the licensed day care, which will offer a pre-kindergarten learning program.
Several kids at the complex received a tour on Tuesday. It will be a convenient place for them and for their parents, who now have an affordable plan.
Royal Crest apartments is subsidized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, so many parents qualify for programs to help reduce the cost. Some will pay as little as $55 a week, depending up the age of their child.
Already 65 children are signed up. That number is expected to grow along with this novel concept of having a day care center on the property where families live.
E-mail ddenmon@wfaa.com
