Trying to find affordable child care can be a struggle for many parents, but the Salvation Army is alleviating that stress by providing child care for parents at little to no cost.

Kai'yon Gayle, 4, is a student in the Salvation Army's child care program in Bushwick. He's been attending the program for the past two years.

"This program here, I love it. He's coming home with new ideas every day. He's coming home with his artwork," Kai'yon's dad, Ashnard, says.

The Salvation Army partnered with the Department of Education to offer free educational classes to students, through 3-K and Pre-K for all.

It's a resource Ashnard says is helpful, especially as a new business owner who's been impacted by the pandemic.

"Having to not think about the payment for day care, it's a big relief you know. We have other aspects of our life that we can cater to with that resource that would probably go toward day care."

"For the parents who really need the child care, they have to go to work, and they have to pay bills. They're paying from $3 and up to $100. That is not bad at all per week. So it's important for them to have a safe place and environment for their kids."

Thelemaque says the program helps students like Kai'yon learn through art, field trips, and various learning exercises. She also says the Bushwick Corp. location is currently accepting applications for enrollment until Oct. 5.

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