Paris Burrell, Dearborn

My four-year-old son is at an age where I feel he needs to start learning. I have to work and don’t always have family members available to keep him or who are qualified to teach him. I also don’t want to leave my job or take a pay cut to go somewhere else while things going so well. But, I needed reliable child care in a safe environment.

I didn’t know what to do and I was worried that I wouldn’t find a solution. Thankfully, a coworker told me to call 2-1-1. I had never heard of it— like I had no clue what it was. She said to me, “If you call and ask them, 24/7, they got the answer for everything!” So, I used the helpline for the first time, and I was connected with Connect4Care Kids.

Over the phone, the representative gave me the website Connect4CareKids.org. When I entered my information, there was a list of places for me to explore. I immediately started calling places down the list. I was in a hurry to find the best place for my son. Before they had a chance to reach out to me, I was calling them. Several providers called me back, and I set up site visits at child care centers in my area.

I ended up choosing Global Heights Academy, which is seven minutes from my house. When I visited, a teacher talked to me and did a screening to make sure I was qualified. Their location was close, and they moved quickly. Other places wanted me to do more and wait longer, so it was an easy choice.

I’m just very grateful and appreciative—I mean, my son is there right now. This was something really important that I had to take care of, and I’m so happy I did. I was very touched by the whole process.

Connect4Care Kids is an easy way for families to search for child care locations, check eligibility for assistance with child care costs, and connect with child care providers across Wayne County. Many families with children under 5 qualify for child care assistance based on their household income. Connect4Care Kids services are available 24/7 in English, Spanish and Arabic at Connect4CareKids.org, by texting KIDS to 42273 or by calling (313) 395-3776.