SPOKANE, Wash. – As concerns over childcare affordability grow in the Inland Northwest, we sat down with Kimberly Kazmark, the owner of Precious Angels, to understand where tuition dollars are spent.
Kazmark, who has been the owner and operator for 28 years, shared her insights on the financial aspects of running a childcare facility.
“It goes mostly to payroll. And our lease is expensive,” she said. “We’re in a prime location and it’s a large facility.”
Kazmark emphasized that compensating employees is one of the largest expenses, due to the cost of living and minimum wage.
“I wish I could pay them what they’re really worth, but there isn’t a way. Parents wouldn’t be able to afford that,” she said.
While paying above minimum wage remains a goal, Kazmark noted the challenges in maintaining affordable childcare.
“We have a lot of these kids for upwards of ten hours a day,” she said. “And they’re in essence stepping into the role where the parents cannot during the day.”
Expenses for toys, snacks, safety features and rent are out-of-pocket, according to Kazmark. Unlike some nonprofit and government-run facilities, her private facility does not receive grants. Precious Angels does however receive subsidies from the state for low-income students.
“We have locked doors with the key system that parents use so that strangers can’t come in,” she said. “We have cameras. It’s just all part of keeping children safe. And that unfortunately does cost money.”
Kazmark acknowledged the financial burden on parents and encouraged them to explore financial assistance options.
“More and more people are qualifying for child care assistance,” she said.
Despite the economic challenges, Kazmark remains committed to supporting busy parents.
“I will probably be doing it until my last dying breath,” she said. “I love what I do, and even though I will never be a millionaire doing it, it’s worth it.”
