SJFC considering program changes

The tightening economy may lead St. James Family Center to adjust the services it provides, Director Beth Hansen announced this week.

“Due to the increased costs of food, supplies and general operating expenses, as well as a decrease in donations and funding resources, we are reevaluating our ability to offer childcare on a sliding scale for our families,” Hansen said.

“We are also determining our ability to continue to offer drop in services. It is very difficult to provide the required child to staff ratio for our classrooms with a drop in program. Providing childcare on a prepaid slot basis may be necessary to meet the challenges we are facing as a non-profit child care center during these difficult times.

“We have all felt the challenges of the unstable economy. Businesses, government and community agencies are working hard to find ways to continue to offer services that benefit children and families. St. James Family Center is no different.”

The center has served the community since 1985. Childcare has been the core program offered. The center provides childcare for children ages 1-12 and is the only licensed childcare facility in the county.

“It has always been the center’s goal to provide childcare in a way that meets the needs of families in our community,” Hansen said. “With this in mind, SJFC has always offered childcare services on a sliding scale basis, allowing families with lower incomes to pay less. We also provide assistance for families who qualify for the Washington State Working Connections Program for low income families.”

This program, Hansen said, subsidizes childcare costs for qualifying families and is only available at licensed childcare facilities or through relative care.

Allowing children to drop in is almost unheard of in the childcare profession, Hansen added.

The family center’s board of directors will be considering and implementing any changes to the childcare programs.

“We will continue to do our best to provide for our families,” Hansen said. “We want to inform the community of the possibility of changes."