Providers tell work group costly sprinkler upgrades, scholarship freeze and voucher delays threaten operations

Several providers and nonprofit representatives used the first work group meeting to describe immediate operational barriers that threaten provider stability and capacity expansion.

Alejandra Londoño Gomez recounted that a family child care provider trying to expand from 8 to 12 children was being required to install a sprinkler system "which will cost her about $30,000 in her home," a large capital expense for a small home‑based business. Natalie Coward, representing Child Resource Connect, said providers fear being left "holding the bag" after making costly changes, citing that past delays during a childcare scholarship freeze halted enrollments and payments and reduced provider trust in program partnerships.

Kiana Morant, who operates seven centers, described centers closing classrooms or letting staff go because they're under‑enrolled, and reported that eligible families face voucher waitlists—"some of them have been on a wait list for maybe 13 or 14 months." Members said those operational stresses make the case for streamlined permitting, faster voucher administration, and targeted grants or subsidies to help small providers cover one‑time capital costs.