I have been laid off three times in three years due to the economy - this has caused me to lose all of my savings and other hardships I'd rather not list. Childcare/Preschool in the Bay Area is expensive and it's necessary so that I can find a job. I had to take my daughter out of her preschool and juggle to try to find a job - I still haven't found a job and it's been seven months of struggle. She cried for her school for months. I did my best to home school her but the stress of not being able to adequately look for a job is too much. Now I'm in my 401k taking what I have left to put her back in school. Preschool help is not a luxury..it's a necessity and a much needed education/social start for children.