CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – Parents and employees are left scrambling in Christiansburg, after getting word Thursday, January 9. that their daycare would be closing for good the next day.
Pathways Early Learning Center in Christiansburg announced it would be closing its doors forever, with just 24 hours notice.
The sign on the front door of the childcare center reads, “After the pandemic, it has become too much of a financial burden to keep it operational.” It adds January 10 would be the last day of operations.
Parents are not the only people left to deal with the announcement. Employees at Pathways Early Learning Center say they got the news at the same time.
Employees we spoke with, who chose not to show their faces, say they’re heartbroken about being left without a job or a place for their own children to go.
A lot of our parents are really upset, like we were yesterday when they got the letter. I personally cried with a lot of our families,“ said an employee.
Employees began cleaning out cubbies and packing up items they say they bought with their own money to share with the children.
“I never had any issues with the owner. I liked him, but I feel like he definitely could have given more of a notice, because it’s put families and employees in a not-so-good situation,” said another employee.
The employees say they are offering to babysit and watch kids from the center at homes until parents are able to find a new daycare.
“Our children here, they deserve the best and if anyone needs to reach out, we will happily get you situated as fast as possible, because we truly love each and every one of you as family,“ said the employees.
After the story aired, the daycare owner told WDBJ7 a sale is now pending for the facility, also adding this statement:
“We are excited about a pending sale to Heart N Hand and are glad that they are expanding in the New River Valley. I am retiring after 38 years in Educational Leadership and look forward to being with my grandchildren more. Our building has capacity for 200 children and it is exciting that a younger leadership team can be realized in this location.
Also, there will be no gap in service families already enrolled can continue getting care Monday Jan. 13, 2025 by calling the new owners at 540-641-5369.”
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