Parents often have hard time finding child care provider

SIKESTON -- When she first learned she was pregnant at seven weeks, Emily Rolwing of Sikeston wasted no time beginning her quest to find a child care provider for her twin babies due in December.

To date, Rolwing has contacted at least 12 child care providers in Sikeston and hasn't had luck with any of them.

"I don't know if it's because twins are harder for people to watch, or because they don't have a slot for two babies," Rolwing said of why she's not been successful.

She did have some providers tell her to check back with them later in the summer, Rolwing said.

"And I did have one lady who would accept them, but I just can't afford $720 a month (in child care)," Rolwing said. "And I don't blame them. I know they have to make a living."

But Rolwing isn't alone. Parents and parents-to-be often face challenges for finding someone to care for their children, and many are placed on waiting lists before being accepted by a provider.

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