Dear Laramie City Council, I was recently informed that Basic Beginnings Daycare is trying to open another facility in Laramie. I was disappointed to say the least when I was informed that members of the council believe there is a low demand for daycare. I am a single mother and a student at the University of Wyoming. The limited amount of daycare available in Laramie, both facilities and home daycare services, is of such a degree that I have had to consider dropping out of school or asking my mother to move from California to care for my son. I signed my son up for services at the Basic Beginnings daycare in June 2008, six months before his birth and could only receive part time hours in January. I have also put him on the waiting list at other facilities, but there is as much as a two-year waiting list at these other places. A two year waiting list does not indicate that the number of children in need of daycare is as low as 50. I am unable to work because I have no one to watch my child and must rely on student loans, government assistance and child support to make ends meet. If I had more daycare hours, I would have an earning potential of $11.50 an hour. The lack of daycare hinders my financial independence, as well as my ability to choose class hours easily. Several other parents in the community face similar situations, whether married or not, are working, or have one child or several. We sincerely hope you will consent to give Basic Beginnings the ability to build another facility to address the childcare needs of Laramie students and residents. Sincerely, Molly Humphrey, mother of Aidan 6 months and Education major at UW

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