The search for an alternative for a North Saanich after-school program closing its doors this month remains on-going but also fruitless to date.
Kerry Readshaw, communications director for Beacon Community Services, says her organization continues to search for alternatives as the BeaconB次元官网网址檚 Nature Club offered at the Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church prepares to close Dec. 20. Unfortunately, the service provider has not been able to find an alternative that is accessible, affordable, and aligned with licensing requirements.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a challenge to find suitable facilities [on the Saanich Peninsula],B次元官网网址� she said.
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Last month, Beacon Community Services informed two dozen families that the program will close its doors just months after opening as a replacement for an after-school program at KELSET Elementary School. The school had closed that program to reclaim the space to meet growing demand and the letter from the Beacon Community Services suggests that the church also reclaimed its space.
B次元官网网址淲e are grateful to the congregation and [minister] of Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church for opening their doors and hosting BeaconB次元官网网址檚 Nature Club since September,B次元官网网址� said Nicole Hietamaa, out-of-school care coordinator last month. B次元官网网址淲e also recognize and respect the [church] must give priority to a variety of its other core activities and itB次元官网网址檚 therefore not feasible to continue our current arrangement.B次元官网网址�
Readshaw said Beacon Community Services had expected a longer-term arrangement with the church. B次元官网网址淚t became apparent that the arrangements were not going to work,B次元官网网址� she said.
Readshaw said Beacon Community Service understands the situation of parents, many of whom are now looking for after-school care for the second time in months, adding she hopes that their employers and others will show some flexibility in accommodating. School board officials are also aware of the situation, she added.
It is not clear how many have found alternatives.
B次元官网网址淚 understand that some have found care, and I expect that others continue to search,B次元官网网址� she said.
Readshaw suggted parents looking for care consult and .
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