Shamirror Moncrief, Detroit

I have three children: an 11-month-old, a 2-year-old, and a 9-year-old.

One of my sons is autistic. I kept having confrontations with his last daycare because they didn’t have the tools needed to take care of him. I struggled to find a daycare that fit his needs.

For two weeks, I didn’t have the kids in any daycare. I almost lost my job. At work, they told me, “You’re a great worker, but if you can’t make it in, then we are going to have to take you off the schedule.” I was really stressed and looking for help.

A friend asked me, “Why don’t you look up something especially for your autistic son?” I started searching on Google and that’s when Connect4Care Kids popped up. I clicked on the link and called the first number I saw. I told the coordinator about my son’s autism and our daycare situation. She helped me every step of the way and she got my application in. Right away, in like a day or two, she provided me with a list of daycare centers who received my application and had qualified staff for autistic children. I reached out to one I liked, and the center invited me in for a tour. It was just like bam, bam, bam! Everything flowed so smoothly. It was absolutely amazing.

Now at the new daycare center, my kids have been involved in more activities and have access to more resources. The center is full of great people. Once when I was having a bad day, everybody gave me a hug. I’m extremely grateful to the program for getting my kids in there and helping me keep my job.

I wish more people knew about Connect4Care Kids because it’s such a great thing for mothers. I haven’t had a bad experience with anyone involved— not one person! I didn’t know about it before, but now I’m so positive about it, I’m helping to spread the word.

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.