Bowling Green’s Child Development Center to Close After 34 Years of Caring for Families
In a heart-wrenching announcement, First Baptist Church Child Development Center in Bowling Green has declared that it will close its doors on December 20 of this year. This beloved institution has provided care and education for local kids for more than three decades, and the anticipated closure leaves many families scrambling for alternatives.
A Brief History
First opened in 1990, the center has been a trusted spot for families with children from as young as six weeks to five years old. The main floor, with a capacity for 155 children, has provided meals and a variety of activities tailored to different age groups. Additionally, the upper floor offered a summer program for school-age children, accommodating up to 95 kids aged up to 11. Sadly, both programs will close, impacting around 110-120 children who have relied on its services in recent years.
Why the Closure?
Executive Pastor David Tooley explained that the center’s closure is due to a financial shortfall, primarily driven by ongoing declines in enrollment numbers. The church has tried its best to keep costs in check and maintain affordable rates; however, the challenges have become insurmountable. A message from the center stated, “Despite utilizing reserves and federal grants in the past, we now face a financial shortfall that we cannot overcome without significantly compromising our mission.”
To make matters worse, the center has also had to deal with the fallout of a distressing incident involving a former employee, who was found guilty of multiple instances of abuse. While Pastor Tooley opted not to comment on the potential impact of this on the closure, it certainly casts a shadow over the beloved institution.
Reactions from Parents
The news has left many parents in shock. Sandra Quinn, a parent of a child who attended the center from infancy, lamented, “It’s really heartbreaking to hear that they’re going to close because they have been around for forever.” Others echoed her sentiments, expressing concern for what comes next.
The church has provided one month’s notice for parents to find alternative childcare, and this timeframe has proven inadequate for many. The struggle for childcare options in Bowling Green is a growing concern, with many centers having long waitlists. Local spots like Bundles of Joy Childcare report average wait times of six to seven months, while a Kid’s Care center has waitlists extending until August for certain age groups.
Ameroy Cotton shared her frustration at the limited availability, stating, “I’m disappointed that they couldn’t find a way to save it.” The search for new childcare has been devastating, as parents like her face months of searching and uncertainty.
The Staff Experience
The closure impacts not only families but also the center’s 60 employees, many of whom are parents themselves. One teacher, wishing to remain anonymous, voiced her concerns about finances during the holiday season, admitting, “I don’t even know if I’ll have enough money to get them presents.”
For staff members like Nakiya Sykes, the sudden closure has disrupted their career paths and dreams. “We’re all struggling,” she said, highlighting the emotional toll the news has taken on everyone involved.
The Future
As the clock ticks down to December 20, the church plans to discuss the future use of the facility, although no specific plans are in place just yet. Tooley indicated the hope to keep the space available for children’s ministry activities but acknowledged that this transition will also take time.
Conclusion
The closure of Bowling Green’s First Baptist Church Child Development Center marks the end of an era and adds to the childcare crisis in the region. With holiday stress compounded by the search for new care, families face many challenges. The community will need to rally together to find solutions that fit in these uncertain times.
