Burlington families scramble for childcare after daycare closure

Dozens of Burlington families say they’re scrambling to make other child care arrangements after learning their daycare will close. Several parents reached out to CHCH News saying they received short notice of the closure and now face long waiting lists at other daycare providers.

Parents say they’re left with more questions than answers as the Village Child Care Centre is set to close Tuesday with a new daycare business expected to take over the space.

“Very very emotional,” said one parent. “Honestly trying not to cry right now, this daycare has been a part of our lives for the last five years, it’s impossible to find care. Especially last minute.”

Parents say they knew changes were coming when they received an email about it on July 1, but they were only made aware about construction starting Tuesday – when a notice went up late last week.

“We found out this past Thursday at 4 p.m. A lot of sleepless nights.” said another parent. “To be honest, a lot of tears. Trying to lean on the other parents, trying to figure out if we can get last minute babysitters.”

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The current owner did not want to appear on camera but confirmed to CHCH News that July 31 would be her last day as the owner of the daycare.

A notice posted on the front door says the lease agreement between the landlord and the current owner was terminated June 30 because of missed rent payments.

“So I decided to put the signage. The day was approaching and the supervisor informed us that no family was aware of this notice,” the landlord said. “So that’s the reason we wanted to put this notice again because there were so many families who were uninformed.”

The landlord says a new tenant is in the process of applying for a child care program license with the ministry of education.

The landlord confirmed that the daycare will be closed Tuesday while the new tenant waits for permits and licensing. The building will be undergoing construction for a couple of weeks and the goal is for the new daycare to open by September.

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