ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – After more than a century of serving the Rockford community, Rockford Day Care has closed its doors, leaving dozens of people without child care.

Winnebago County action council Birth to Five Illinois said in a statement that the “sudden” closure would have a significant impact on the community.

YWCA Northwest Illinois Kris Machajewski says the loss of the center is ‘devastating’, leaving some children and families without essential child care.

“There is such a need in this society, especially for babies and young children. Staffing ratios are very high, so sometimes it is very difficult to find care for babies and toddlers,” Machajewski said.

Machajewski said the closure does not reflect a local issue and should not affect other locations. She says the YWCA is a resource for parents in need.

“This is a private sector and some of these organizations are nonprofits, but it really depends on whether someone wants to open a child care business or start a child care business,” Machajewski said.

Copyright 2024 WIFR. All rights reserved.