ISU daycare centers are being forced to turn away hundreds of families, and some members of the ISU community say something needs to be done to remedy the situation.

Linda Bartleson, director of University Childcare Center at Veterinary Medicine, 1700 Christensen Drive, said there are 85 children currently enrolled at the center, but there is also a very lengthy waiting list.

“At one time this spring, we had 350 children on a waiting list. We’ve since updated our list for fall, and now there are 250 children currently on the list,” she said.

It can be especially difficult to find childcare for very young children, Bartleson said.

Penny Pepper, director of University Community Childcare at Pammel Court, 891 Pammel Court, also said her center has a long waiting list for younger children.

“We do have more children waiting to get in that are under the age of 2. I think that is because there are less choices in town for infants and toddlers. Those children require different care, and it is also more expensive to care for them,” she said.

Pepper said she doesn’t like having to put people on a waiting list for childcare.

“It’s pretty sad when you can’t help people out when they need it. Some people plan ahead and expect to be put on a a waiting list, but some call and are desperate for care, so it’s hard to tell them that we can’t help them,” she said.

Judy Dolphin, director of the Ames-ISU YWCA, 15 Alumni Hall, said families with low incomes may find it especially difficult to find available, affordable childcare.

“I think for individuals who are not financially well off, it is challenging to find a spot for their children,” she said. “Even if they can find a place that has openings available, sometimes it is too expensive.”

Some childcare centers use a sliding-fee scale, but even that doesn’t help low-income families, Dolphin said.

“Sliding-fee scale programs, which allow families with low incomes to pay reduced rates, are a good service. But sometimes it is still too expensive for some families, so it is like a catch-22,” she said.

Dolphin said there are numerous ways to expand the availability of affordable childcare at Iowa State and at job sites.

“I would like to see large employers provide childcare services,” she said. “Even at Iowa State, resources are very limited. It would be wonderful if the university provided childcare as part of the benefit package. I would also like to see more childcare facilities on campus.”

Everyone needs to work together for this cause, Dolphin said.

“I believe we as a community need to come together and take a stand for children and childcare,” she said.