A daycare in the Shea Heights neighbourhood of St. John’s may soon be closing its doors for good.

A memo from Panda Bear Little University, located on Linegar Avenue, to parents at the centre says that due to “insufficient operating revenue” the daycare will be closing its doors at the end of the month.

The memo further states that they are sorry for the inconvenience to families, but they have been left with “no other recourse.”

They say they may remain open if their financial circumstances change within the next couple of weeks.

The impact of COVID-19 has been difficult for daycare operators.

The childcare subsidy ended on June 26th.

Gail Sullivan of Happy Times Day Care said back in June that some parents are choosing not to come back because of their own financial situation. She notes that social distancing is almost impossible in a daycare setting, calling the situation at the time “unsustainable.”

Earlier Story:

Childcare Subsidy Won’t Be Extended Despite Looming Closures

Premier Dwight Ball says the provincial child care subsidy will not be extended beyond June 26th.

Gail Sullivan of Happy Times Day Care has been working in child care for 40 years and says many child care centres may close come June 26th.

Sullivan says while the subsidy has kept child care centres going, she expects things will change dramatically when that funding comes to an end.

Child care centres can only operate at 70 per cent capacity, with a 30 per cent shortfall. Parents will be asked to pay for spaces that may not be available to them. She says parent centres are preparing to close on the 26th of June.

Sullivan says the current situation is unsustainable because many parents are choosing not to come back at this time.

She admits it’s nearly impossible to exercise social distancing among children and she expects there will be outbreaks which have been seen in other areas if the virus resurges in the community.