Plan to discount some day care setup fees advances in Philly

A push to expand day care opportunities in Philadelphia has crossed one hurdle in City Council. 

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s bill, attempting to make it easier to open a day care center in Philadelphia, would exempt family and group day cares from some of the fees involved in setting up the business.

“It became abundantly clear after a number of meetings with child-care providers that the application and appeal fees are a major barrier for those wanting to provide child care,” she said. “We have a wealth of data that shows affordable, accessible day care offers significant lifelong benefits to children.”

Even without paying a fee, all day care centers would still have to comply with state and local regulations.

Pennsylvania now has the nation’s 18th most expensive child care, consuming 12 percent of total income for the median family. Where there is a single mom involved, it requires 43 percent of her income.

The bill now moves to the full Council for consideration.