Why should I care? It’s a question I often get. Why should you care about helping single moms? Because you care about people, about children, about building strong families, and about your community.
If you have children or grandchildren in daycare, then you are aware of how expensive it is. According to the Center for American Progress, the average cost for licensed, center-based preschool is $889 per month, or $10,668 a year. Minimum wage in Michigan is $9.87/hour. After taxes, that leaves a working single mom working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, about $17,000 to pay housing, food utilities and daycare. This does not include clothes, food, school supplies or technology. Preschool is just not feasible for children whose parents make minimum wage. Yet preschool is important and has a positive impact on a child’s future success.
A study conducted by the Harvard Graduate School of Education found that children who went to preschool were less frequently placed into special education classes, less often repeated a grade and had higher graduation rates. Also, the social-emotional skills developed in preschool increased a child’s ability to engage in learning (focus better), manage behaviors, and get along with others. However, less than half of 3- and 4-year-olds in the U.S. are enrolled in a public or private preschool.
I think we can all agree that we want children to thrive. It means helping parents make sure their children get everything they need to grow well physically and do well academically. That’s where you and Hope for Single Moms comes in. Hope for Single Moms removes the barriers single moms have to getting a career education, in order to provide well for their children. We exist with the generosity of donors and volunteers like you. Join a movement helping build strong families and thriving children! Learn more at world changers.