Lampson School Daycare set to close doors for good

Declining enrolment and financial losses have forced the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) to shut down its daycare service at Lampson School.

After Aug. 15, the MFRC will no longer offer daycare at this location.

“It was a difficult decision and we are very sad to see the daycare close,” says Linda Scott, MFRC Program Manager. “But we are looking forward to having a good last summer with the kids.”

Daycare is not a mandated service for the MFRC. In 2009, CFB Esquimalt leased Lampson School from the school board to fill a need for daycare services.

However, since 2013, there has been a decline in enrolment of children aged three to five years old, and  an increase in growing deficits from running the operation.

“As a non-profit organization, our board of directors had to make the decision that this service is no longer financially viable for us,” says Gaynor Jackson, MFRC Executive Director. “We understand that change is difficult and we are committed to assisting families throughout this process.”

Due to annual transitions, the MFRC will be able to accommodate all families currently in Lampson’s Infant Toddler program at their Colwood location. Some spaces will be available in their three to five-year-olds daycare in Colwood as well. Those not accommodated have been provided information on other daycares in the Esquimalt area that have vacancies for September.

The closure will also impact casual child care and children’s deployment workshops at Lampson School; however, these services will continue at CPAC in Colwood.

Parents may contact the MFRC directly with questions or concerns or visit www.esquimaltmfrc.com for more information.