by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman

Imagine having a sick child and being afraid to stay home for fear of losing wages or your job.

Seventy-seven percent of those in the bottom fifth of the income ladder don’t have paid sick leave. According to a report by the Urban Institute, one-third of US families with children struggle to make ends meet.
 
One way the report suggests to help working parents manage with child rearing demands is for changes in national policies.  At least seven paid sick days and a flexible work schedule would make a difference—giving them the same kinds of opportunities that people in higher paying jobs enjoy.

The report also calls for expanding federal child care subsidies for low-income families and fully funding the federal Head Start program.

What is being proposed, according to an article in Education Week, is guaranteed sick leave for all employees working at least 20 hours a week—at least two months paid parental leave over a 12 month period, and reimbursing parents a minimum of 55% of their wages.

To the important question—what can help the working poor? These are some answers.