DAY CARE SHOULD STAY IN PRIVATE SECTOR

There is talk at Southeast Missouri State University of establishing daycare services on campus. Given the number of adult students on the campus, this would seem, at first blush, like a logical thing to do. But it isn't.

A few years ago an evening daycare program at the university finally closed due to lack of use, even though a student government survey had shown considerable interest. Meanwhile, a couple of private daycare providers began offering evening hours for students. There's the rub. A subsidized program at the university would be unfair competition for the many daycare providers who are trying to make a profit in the community.

A while back, the university set up a childcare referral office that helps student find daycare throughout Southeast Missouri. That is a good way to deal with this need.