This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the City Council’s new law to expand access to childcare services, and if the new law will allow them to return to work or potentially change to a better job.

 

“Oh yeah, that’s a good idea! That could get people to work, but are you sure the daycare is safe? Of course, daycare is important. We are struggling more in The Bronx than people in the City. A lot of people don’t have anyone to take care of their kids like a grandmother or someone related to a single mom. Yes, it’s a good thing because I used it, but it was in a daycare, in a room around here. It helped me a lot.”

Juanita Cruz,

Concourse

“In my personal opinion, even though I have a child that’s 15, I think it’s great because I know people who have children under 13 that, at the moment, can’t find the adequate childcare, because they feel that where they go doesn’t meet their expectations. So, I think it’s a great thing if it can be expanded because now, parents will have more choices as to where their kids will be taken care of, as opposed to having to put them wherever the space is available. It restricted me at one point when my daughter was around 2. I was in college, and I was working and taking care of her, and because I couldn’t find a free childcare service, like a Head Start or daycare, I ended up having to pay, and even they weren’t up to my standards. Now, parents like me will have a choice.”

Barbara Vargas,

Morrisania

“I think it’s going to be beneficial because a lot of people come back from work late, so if the childcare is expanded, it’s going to give them the opportunity to do other things, and it’s going to make people’s lives easier. They can work overtime, or on Saturday they can pick up some hours and right now, things are really going crazy financially so it’s going to help them. It’s going to have a positive impact on people’s lives. I think it’s a good thing; it’s a win, win.”

Augustine Ojarikre,

Fordham Manor

 

“Yeah, I think it would help. My daughter works for the immigration department and another daughter is working for Social Security. With my son-in-law, one week he works in the house and another week he goes to the office. It’s a problem but I don’t know…it’s a lot of [expletive] problems, a lot of problems. My granddaughter doesn’t have a key. Maybe another apartment could have daycare here. She needs it, but I’m working. Yes, maybe they should expand it.”

Andy Sabino,

Fordham Manor

“Oh yes, definitely. Of course, it would give us childcare providers more jobs and opportunities. Yes, something like that I feel would be an excellent idea for the council people to open up more jobs. It’s been very, very hard because the parents don’t have the funds; they don’t have the money to pay, and some have left their jobs due to the vaccine [mandate] and they don’t want to get it.”

Jessica Nuñez,

Norwood