PIERREFONDS – After 16 years, Ethan’s playground is closing its doors.
Last January, representatives from the family ministry visited the daycare and determined the owner had too many children in care and was therefore, operating illegally.
The facility forced to downsize – going from over 20 children, down to six.
The owner, Jennifer de Vera, said she wasn’t able to afford the operating costs and was forced to shut down.
READ MORE: Ethan’s Playground in danger of closing
“It’s bittersweet,” she said. “It’s too bad we couldn’t continue fighting. We did what we can, but I guess now it’s time to move on.”
READ MORE: Parents fight to save beloved pre-school in Pierrefonds
Friday evening, parents, teachers, current and former students, gathered to say their final goodbyes to de Vera and the daycare.
“Looking ahead in the future, trying to find a place was really difficult cause it’s a family here,” said Adriana Di Valerio, whose 3-year-old attended the daycare. “The kids too, they look at it, not as school, but as a family.”
De Vera said all good things must come to an end.
She’s looking forward to starting a new job in March at Dawson College.
“I explained to them that I’m going to be teaching big kids now, not little kids – but I promised I’ll still visit them,” she said.