Rockford Day Nursery Abruptly Closes

November 14, 2024

Original coverage in WIFR by Jade Marceau-Mary.

After serving the Rockford community for more than a hundred years, Rockford Day Nursery closes its doors, leaving dozens without childcare.

Birth to Five Illinois, an action council for Winnebago County, says in a statement the ‘abrupt’ closure will have a significant impact on the community.

“Rockford Day Nursery, a historic early learning center that has served our community for over 100 years, has been forced to close its doors effective immediately. This abrupt closure will have a significant impact on our community.

Founded in 1917 to support a new concept, the “working woman,” Rockford Day Nursery began as a small operation in a West State Street basement. Over the past century, it has expanded five times to meet the growing needs of our community. Throughout the years, local donors, foundations, and government programs have invested in its growth, recognizing its vital role in supporting families and fostering early childhood development.

The sudden closure of Rockford Day Nursery leaves a significant number of children and their families without essential child care. This places an immense burden on parents, who may be forced to reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely.

Child care issues are economic issues. Access to quality, affordable child care is essential for businesses to retain and attract talent. With over 50% of our young children lacking access to early education and care, we cannot afford to lose another child care provider

Livia Bane, Regional Council Manager, Birth to Five Illinois

YWCA Northwestern Illinois Kris Machajewski says the loss of the center is ‘devastating,’ leaving a number of children and families without essential childcare.

“There is such a need in this community, especially for infants and toddlers. The staffing ratios are very high, so it’s very challenging sometimes to find care for infants and toddlers,” said Machajewski.

Machajewski says the closing doesn’t reflect an issue on the local level and it shouldn’t affect other locations. She says the YWCA is a resource for parents in need.

“This is a private business sector and some of these organizations are non-profit, but it really depends on whether or not someone wants to open a childcare business or start a childcare business,” Machajewski said.