The day care industry is one of many that haven't been immune to the recession, according to recent reports. A recent MSNBC report notes that across the nation, people with careers in childcare are feeling tough economic times and an overall slowdown in business. The article focused on Lindy Franca of Honolulu, who has seen business fall about 50 percent since 2008 despite having lowered her fees to about $575 a month. The report also notes that the daycare industry has been further by cuts in state aid, and by the rising unemployment rate, which has kept many parents from being able to pay for childcare, or in many cases, to even need it at all. "It's really spooky, because you don't know where your future is going to be," Franca was quoted as saying. Despite short-term economic concerns about the industry, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that the industry will continue to grow and be in demand. The agency says that child care workers will see an 18 percent increase in demand for their services between now and 2016.  |