Savannah childcare providers concerned about impact of prolonged federal shutdown

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Local childcare providers are expressing concerns about how a prolonged federal government shutdown could affect their operations, particularly programs that rely on federal funding for meals and subsidies.

Sylathia Sanders, owner of Happy Hearts Learning Academy in Savannah, said her facility depends heavily on federal funding for several key programs.

The academy participates in the USDA food program, which provides breakfast items like sausage patties, cinnamon whole grain toast and sliced oranges for students.

“We are a part of the USDA food program that is strictly federally funded so right now, we don’t know,” Sanders said.

Multiple federal programs at risk

Sanders said many of her operations rely on federal funding, including subsidy programs like CAPS (Child and Adult Care Food Program). The potential loss of these funds could create significant operational challenges.

“Without that it would really put hardship as far as operation, payroll, groceries, liability coverage, gas if we provide transportation,” Sanders said.

The CAPS program plays a crucial role in making childcare accessible to families. “A lot of our students are subsidy through CAPS, so CAPS paid a big portion of the childcare payments and parents pay a percentage,” Sanders said.

Concerns for single parents

Sanders expressed particular worry for single parents who depend on subsidized childcare services. The weekly subsidy payments help offset day-to-day costs for providers, making childcare more affordable for families.

“If we are affected, I’m quite sure several providers do have in their policy where the parents now have to become fully responsible for that full-week tuition, can they really afford it?” Sanders said. “That’s why they receive subsidy care.”

The academy received funding during the week of the shutdown and expects to receive payments this week.

Sanders said she has been in contact with state agencies who have reassured her that operations should continue normally for now.

However, she remains concerned about the sustainability of current funding levels and what might happen to the food program if the shutdown continues near the end of the month.

Sanders recalled similar concerns during a federal fund freeze in February that impacted the academy.