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Free day care with a positive catch

Eric Horchy/SUNCOAST

Kids play on a toy caterpillar in the playground of the Little Achievers Academy in New Port Richey.

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BY ERIC HORCHY

THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: July 4, 2009

With layoffs, foreclosures and bankruptcies that have pervaded the lives of many Suncoast residents, Jennifer Chiger is trying to offer her community at least some modest relief.

As the owner of Little Achievers Academy in New Port Richey near the intersection of U.S. 19 and S.R. 54, Chiger is reaching out to those parents struggling to get back to work but can't because they lack affordable child care while job hunting.

There's also an intriguing catch tied to Chiger's generosity, separating the Little Achievers' offer from other centers around the area.

"The program is called Pay it Forward," Chiger said. "I got the idea from another preschool owner in Wisconsin."

"They can drop their kids off and go look for a job, put in applications, whatever they need to do," she explained, then getting to the reciprocation. "In return, they have to sign a promissory note that they will do a good deed for somebody else within the next year."

Whatever that "good deed" is is up for discussion, Chiger said, just as long as something gets done.

"Times are tough for everybody right now, so I'm just trying to give back to the community."

With unemployment rates soaring statewide, the situation for a laid-off parent can be a sort of Catch-22. They would like to search for employment, but cannot afford day care costs.

Financial government assistance exists in Pasco County, but proof of employment is required, according to Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties.

Nicole Gonzalez, communication specialist at the Early Learning Coalition, did say that a parent is eligible to keep receiving aid up to 30 days following a job loss.

Little Achievers' program, which is open to people in Pinellas County, will initially launch for two days, July 13 and 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30, Chiger said. Children from ages 1 - 10 are eligible for enrollment.

"We're going to start off doing two days to see how it works. If it goes over well, I might offer them more."

In addition to the two free days of day care, Chiger is also offering two preschool scholarships in August for parents who may be trying to go to school but do not qualify for financial child care assistance.

The Little Achievers Academy has a playground area, multiple activity rooms, arts and crafts and other programs set up for the children.

To participate in the free day care opportunities, call Little Achievers at 727-841-8900 or stop into the facility, 4129 U.S. 19, New Port Richey.

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