The decision to close government offices and schools on Monday, September 19 to mark a Day of Mourning for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has some child care operators and parents scrambling.

Gail Sullivan of Happy Times Pre-school says many operators she’s spoken with have indicated that they’ll close as well, even though many families will still require child care services.

Sullivan says things are tight and ECE vacancies remain despite efforts to recruit and retain staff in the field.

There are mixed feelings about the Day of Mourning says Sullivan, and her view is that many child care centres will close for the occasion. “Any way I can help my staff and keep them happier, I’m going to do that.”