A preschool that has operated in Airdrie for more than a quarter century has had to close its doors permanently because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter to parents of children at Kids Quest Preschool, owner Sarah Andersen said the facility would have to cease operations. The letter was published on the preschool’s Facebook page May 20.
"It is with profound sadness and deepest regret that I announce the end of an era," Andersen wrote. "While Kids Quest Preschool has been a community to over 3,500 families over the last 27 years, the unforeseen circumstances as a result of COVID-19 have had a greater impact on our small business than we had anticipated.
"Unlike public schools whose teachers are still being paid during the shutdown, preschool centres are private businesses with ongoing rent, utility and overhead expenses and while experiencing an interrupted revenue flow, we cannot justify charging parents tuition for services we aren’t providing, which means we have no way to cover our costs."
Like other preschools in Alberta, Kids Quest – located in northwest Airdrie – was mandated to close by the provincial government March 15 to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
According to Andersen, Kids Quest had only a few months remaining on its commercial lease in Silver Creek, and the school’s administrators were in the process of deciding whether or not to re-lease or sign a new agreement.
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Unfortunately, Andersen added, the preschool’s landlord was unable or unwilling to reduce rent during the pandemic.
"In mid-March, when we were shut down, I contacted the landlord immediately and asked if we could receive a couple of different options, whether that be a rental concession or deferral – something to help bridge the gap for the closure, as at that point, we had no idea how long it would last for," she said.
She added she did not receive a response from the property management company for more than a month, when she was told the landlord was not willing to make any concessions and Kids Quest was still responsible for the full balance.
While the owners applied for a loan through the Canadian Emergency Business Account, Andersen claimed that was not a viable long-term solution and that the property management company would not be participating in that program.
"At that point, it was a no-brainer that we were not going to be able to proceed," she said. "With zero revenue for two months and our school year ending in June and our summer months already being a tough financial time for us, there was just no way for us to continue."
The property management company for the building Kids Quest Preschool rents could not be reached for comment before press time.
Airdrie resident Kelly McGovern has two children – a three-year-old and a five-year-old – registered with Kids Quest. She said she was saddened when she heard the news about the school’s closure.
"We have developed really good relationships with their staff," she said. "Our boys adored the teachers and looked forward to going to school each week. They have such a wonderful atmosphere at Kids Quest, and our boys have made lots of little friends through the program, so I was disheartened to see they weren’t going to be able to make it work and have to close."
McGovern said she enjoyed the preschool’s proximity to her home, as well as the class sizes, the teachers and the events the school would organize.
"I’m so grateful they were our preschool for the time we got them," she said. "I hope their teachers are able to find other spots in Airdrie and can continue the good work they were doing. I have nothing but good things to say about them – they were an amazing school."
While her older son is slated to start kindergarten in the fall, McGovern added she is undecided about which preschool her three-year-old will attend next year.
In her letter, Andersen – who was with the school for nearly a decade – stated the preschool’s staff would help clients find an alternative preschool for the fall.
"I would like to give a kudos to the Kids Quest staff who have literally weathered the storm through many ups and downs," she said. "In the nine years I've been there, I've witnessed the staff be extremely loyal. They rose to the occasion to help in any way they could, throughout all the hardships we've dealt with."
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
