By Cade Fowler - bio | email
ALBANY, GA (WALB) – A recent study shows thousands of Georgia daycare centers have shut down in the last couple of years. Many were forced out of business because of the bad economy.
But that's not the case in Dougherty County.
According to Child Care Resource and Referral, none of the more than 100 child care centers in Dougherty County has shut down.
Some are even seeing increases in enrollment.
The owner of Hansel and Gretel Daycare on West Highland Avenue told us her business has remained steady since she opened two years ago.
"Since we've opened, we've grown bit by bit. And every summer, especially during the summer, our numbers pick up. Our parents, they're pretty much staying in the work force. Some of them have been laid off, but they've been fortunate enough to gain employment again," said Lorraine Jackson.
According to Quality Care for Children, 600 child care centers and 1,800 family day-care homes in Georgia shut down in 2009.
Many families simply can't afford day care right now.
The group says centers operate on small profit margins and many can't stay open if they aren't full.
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