Rogy's Daycare says it could be forced to close some of it's centers if Illinois legislators do not restore budget cuts for next fiscal year.
They say that could add more damage to the local economy.

Armed with signs, banners, and pictures of kids more than 30 Rogy's Daycare employees boarded a van for a rally in Springfield Tuesday.
They're planning to let off some steam to legislators about the cuts to child care subsidies.

"I can't imagine if our centers close. We're a big part of Peoria and for the children," said Rogy's Co-owner Wendy Pettett.

Pettett says she would have to layoff half of her one–thousand employees if she's forced to close some of the 18 learning centers.
Without the Child Care Connection subsidies mothers would be forced to pay the full fee.

"I would have to stay home, I did the math and I would end up paying more than what my check is. So my kids would definitely be home with me and I wouldn't be working and as a single mom that's not really doable," said Daycare patron Kara Cochran of Bellevue.

Pettett says the budget cuts would deepen the impact of the recession because with layoffs and parents staying home businesses would lose money.
One childcare teacher says educational gains made by preschoolers would also be lost.

"We had children in our graduating class knowing their letters and sounds this year. That's what they want us to do because when they're home sometimes they don't hear the same sounds, and they have trouble reading, " said Pre-school teacher Bonnie Huss.

Rogy's employees hope that with their voices, signs and messages
legislators in Springfield will reverse the cuts and keep pre–schoolers in daycare.