PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Childcare is really expensive, and it is getting more expensive every year, and finding enough money in your pocketbook for childcare can be challenging. Some parents are choosing to leave work and stay home.

“From a business standpoint, it’s expensive to run a childcare center just like any other business,” said Tami Valdez, Community development and special programs director at Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida. “You’ve got rising minimum wages, you’ve got increasing insurance fees. So it’s just it’s inflation is hitting all businesses right now.”

However, there is a school readiness program that uses state and federal money.

“This funding provides childcare for families who qualify,” said Valdez.

School readiness funding allows families access to affordable childcare, easing financial burdens and making high-quality learning programs accessible.

“There is a need, and I think now the support families need it even more because living is very expensive right now,” said Valdez. “I feel like a lot of families are in the position where do I pay for childcare? Or do I work? So apply for our school readiness program and let us see if we can get you qualified and then we can help you pay for childcare.”

The Early Learning Coalition has seen more people using the funding.

“90% of a child’s brain is developed before they hit kindergarten. Giving the children an early learning opportunity is very important so that they’re when they when they are ready to enter formal schools, they’re ready to learn,” said Valdez. “Everything the cognitive, the social skills, everything that they will get within a childcare center is very important to get them going on that learning path.”

Helping families make the decision to work easier.

“They’re able to pay rent, pay mortgage, put food on the table,” said Valdez. “It’s just giving them some financial support on the children’s side. “We’re giving them a formal early education. so that’s very important.

The readiness learning program serves seven counties, Bay, Washington, Holmes, Jackson, Calhoun Gulf, and Franklin.

To apply and see if you are eligible for this funding, you can head here.