WILLEMSTAD - Eight daycare centers are sounding the alarm about their financial situation, stating that they can no longer operate with the current subsidies. This was announced in a press release on Thursday.
According to the daycare centers, the subsidies have not been adjusted in over ten years, while the costs of childcare have risen significantly. The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport (OWCS) held an emergency meeting on June 11 with representatives of the daycare centers to discuss their concerns and seek temporary solutions.
A follow-up meeting was canceled by the OWCS, and since then, the daycare centers have not had another gathering.
Due to the lack of funding, the daycare centers are unable to accommodate the maximum number of children. The situation has put the affected centers in jeopardy, and they are at risk of having to close. "It has been three months since we spoke with the minister, and no changes have been implemented," the eight locations stated.
The daycare centers hope that the minister will listen to their concerns and that a new meeting can be scheduled soon to discuss sustainable solutions. The OWCS was unavailable for comment.