we're losing providers in my town. WTH?

[greenhouse]

I just noticed on 211 childcare that my town has gone from 24 home providers down to 6 this month. What the heck?

[daycare]

So many people have lots jobs that one parent is sitting at home looking for jobs so there is no need for them to have their chldren in childcare. One they are home and two they cant afford it. Until there are more jobs out there, we will see two things happen. One daycares closing due to no numbers to fill. Or a ton of dc opening because the now unemployeed SAHM will open them up until they find another job outside of the home.

[morgan24]

My area is the same. There are only 4 licensed providers left, but there are at least 10 unlicensed advertising. The licensed providers quit have all gotten jobs because unlicensed providers are undercutting them.

[MG&Lsmom]

The latter is exactly what's happening here. While I was a working mom, turned SAHM, turned daycare provider myself, I did childcare as my work. I just decided to do it from home after taking a little break. We have so many providers, 3 centers and now the school is providing after care. I'm having a hard time getting and keeping clients. I'm waiting to hear from a potential client today or tomorrow to see if her DH got the job he was after. It all just stinks. My own father has been out of work almost 2 years with not one offer. I'm hoping things pick up in the Fall.