President Obama is proposing a two-part initiative to beef up financial assistance for families who pay for child care. But for Little Knights and Maidens Learning Center in Fernley, the money can't come soon enough.

Right now, families making less than $43,000 qualify for a tax credit for a portion of child care costs. Obama's proposal would give the tax credit to families earning as much as up to $115,000. But its a credit, not a refund, so families that do not pay taxes would not benefit.

The average cost of daycare at Evelyn Knight's non-profit child care center Little Knights and Maidens, runs several hundred dollars a month, which many parents can't afford. So she allows them to just pay what they are able to.

"People are being faced with how to pay for childcare and work. It's almost more beneficial for them to stay home with their kids and collect unemployment because it's easier for them that way."

Currently, a federal grant subsidizes child care for working parents who make up to 150 percent of the poverty level, which is about $33,000 for a family of four. But many of the the kids at Little Knights and Maidens come from single parent households and are on long waiting lists to get into programs. Many grant programs have not seen increases in 10 years.

What will help Little Knights and Maidens right now are donations, or sponsoring a child. There's also a fundraiser planned on February 26th at The Grand Sierra Resort where children's artwork will be auctioned off to help subsidize costs.