WATCH ABOVE: Ethan’s Playground in Pierrefonds may be shut down after a dispute over permits, but parents are pleading with Quebec’s Family Minister to help. Global’s Jessica Brown reports.
PIERREFONDS-ROXBORO – Jennifer de Vera opened her drop-in daycare, Ethan’s Playground, 15 years ago.
Over the years, she was asked by parents to add more hours to her daycare schedule.
She said she checked with the Family Ministry and the daycare association before going ahead with it, but then someone complained.
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“In January of this year we had a knock on our door and the inspectors came saying we had too many children,” she told Global News.
“If we have more than six children we need a permit de garderie, yet we are technically a jardins d’énfants. So, that’s where we are now, just trying to get back our status.”
The problem is that the government no longer permits drop-in daycare centres and de Vera will have to apply for a new daycare permit.
“I wouldn’t have extended the hours knowing it was illegal,” she said.
“[I] put my whole business in jeopardy to go through all this.”
The Family Ministry doesn’t remember having any phone conversations with de Vera; they claim they were following up on a complaint.
“We are all fighting to keep it open. I’m hoping we can win because really I know in my heart that this is the best place,” said parent Adriana Di Valario.
“I’m a teacher, so I know how important early childhood development is and having a place where they feel safe, secure.”
“Ethan’s playground for our kids has been a great experience,” agreed David Thomas.
“They treat our kids like they are their kids.”
“It’s unfair. They should be pinpointing the daycares that have had abuse,” said Christina White, parent.
“They’re still open, here it’s not the case and I plea please leave Ethan’s Playground as it is. It is an amazing daycare.”
De Vera said she is prepared to follow the rules and do what is necessary to get back to normal.
But if it takes the standard six to eight months to get her permit, she doesn’t think she can stay afloat.
She’s hoping someone in the ministry will realize what a good thing they’ve got.
“We’re a family,” said de Vera.
“I feel that the Ministry is breaking up our family.”
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