daycare

The backlog, which has left daycare providers on the brink of closure, was originally supposed to be resolved by the end of July.

Applicants to the state child care subsidy program often face long call center wait times and onerous paperwork requirements — and child care providers who accept the subsidy face administrative hurdles of their own.

Phelps and Pulaski counties are both considered "child care deserts" because of a lack of preschool and day cares. Two grants on their way to the area will help.

Growing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus have led many schools in the region to close. However, some day cares and child care centers are…