Daily Daycare

By Seanice Batchman

CMHS Journalism Alum

The epidemic of early parents continues to rise as time passes. Facilities for children are overpopulated in many areas, some requiring a waiting list. Crete-Monee High School could show empathy by providing an in-school daycare for parents trying to get an education.

Resources are low in areas such as University Park and Park Forest. As a teenager, it is hard to travel consistently without the use of public transportation. Using public transportation could increase the risk of danger to the teenager and their child. By providing available transportation to those parents, the child remains safe and untouched while being in their parent’s care.

Providing this public setting will not only teach them common knowledge, but it will also provide them with social skills they’ll need for the rest of their years of schooling and beyond.

As lessons are taught and abilities are learned, early parents will fear less of their children falling behind the rest. They will feel a sense of relief at the fact that their children are in good hands, leading to a sense of confidence for them to continue their schooling.

“This will definitely take the stress off of our students who are also parents. They know exactly where their child is. In the same facility as they should be,” said Mr. Blackwood.

As great as this concept sounds, the idea of children not getting sick is completely unrealistic. Common colds are bound to happen, especially due to the increase in bacteria. To keep sickness at a minimum, certain measures should be a requirement.

“Children should be up to date with their immunizations, as our students should be. This will keep fatal and extremely contagious disease from entering our building,” Ward said.

This daycare could become a learning environment for CMHS students also. As there will be someone who’s already certified in taking care of children under the age of five, students who look to join the education or child care department could provide assistance, leading to a great learning experience while keeping the children organized. Providing good examples to children early could give them someone to pattern themselves after.

“I think if we were to include a daycare, it could become a class for students who’d like to go into that certain field. It’ll be fun for everyone while teaching patience to those young adults who choose to participate,” Ward said.