Read past storytime features: David, Terry, Holly, Prany, Cheryl, and Sue.

Amari is a single mom working in Los Angeles County.

I am a single parent with three children, working two jobs and have no outside child support.  The youngest of the three is a bright three and a half-year old craving to learn.  Like her sister and brother, my youngest is asking to go to school. I have seen the benefits preschool offers children.  My oldest daughter attended preschool.  She is currently an A student and very outgoing.  I attribute much of that to preschool. 

Her sister should have the same opportunity but unfortunately, I cannot afford to send my youngest daughter to preschool.  I can barely afford the cost of her current child care, which is a home day care where I pay $125 each week for a program that I do not feel is adequately preparing her for kindergarten.  I have looked into the federal Head Start programs and, despite my situation and low income, I do not qualify. 

It is at this young age that children absorb the most.  My daughter is eager and wants to learn.  Yet, I cannot provide that for her.  We are not at poverty level, but we are also not wealthy and it frustrates me how most programs are based on one’s income regardless of their situation.  I try to set a positive example for my children. I want them to know that if you work hard, you’ll reap the rewards.  The inaccessibility of good and affordable preschool programs for my child makes this increasingly difficult.