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Calgary daycares suffering due to economy

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Calgary daycares suffering due to economy
WATCH ABOVE: This truly is an unprecedented time for child care providers in this city. Many have reported staff layoffs, but even that isn't enough to break even. As Jill Croteau reports a growing number are struggling and say vacancies are at an all time high – Sep 27, 2016

For the first time in recent memory, a number of Calgary child care centres have found themselves with more vacancies than children.

A number of daycare operators are trying to find ways to keep their doors open in this difficult economy.

One owner-operator, Michele Serpanchy from Creative Tree Early Learning Centre, told Global News some families are not even waiting for their employment situation to change before they pull their children out of daycare.

Serpanchy said parents are keenly aware there are daycare vacancies all over the city, so they have many different options if they need to find child care.

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This situation is not unique to smaller daycare facilities.

The Quarry Park Child Development Centre just opened and is only half full, even though it has the capacity to care for 348 children.

Some facilities confirmed with Global News they have already had to lay off staff in light of unprecedented vacancies.

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