Monterey secures new childcare provider at Presidio
MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) It was months of patient waiting for Peninsula parents, after their child care provider, KinderCare, announced it was closing its doors in December.
"My daughter loved her teachers and loved her friends at school. Now she's being uprooted from that situation," said parent, Michael Zabbo.
According to parents, the announcement from KinderCare came without notice. The City of Monterey was immediately tasked with finding a replacement. KinderCare operates out of the Presidio of Monterey in a building owned by the city.
"The city received three business plans from different childcare providers. The city council considered those three business plans in closed session," said City of Monterey Property Manager, Janna Aldrete.
Thursday night, city officials are introducing families to the area's new provider. The Morgan Hill based group, Continuing Development Incorporated (CDI), is set to take over the old KinderCare facility.
"I think CDI will provide options for families. We've heard loud and clear that there's a real shortage of infant care on the peninsula. They will provide infant care, toddler care, and preschool," said Aldrete.
The demand for child care spans far beyond the peninsula. According to a study done in 2017, California is the least affordable state for families in need of infant care. It is estimated that California families pay more than $16,000 every year to child care centers.
"My husband and I are full time employees. We work full time. We don't have family here. We are similar to the military. We need a facility like this to help us out," said parent, Lisa Anthony.
The City of Monterey hopes the new center will help meet a portion of the growing demands. Aldrete said CDI committed to staying in Monterey until 2024. "The city is excited to have CDI become part of this community. We're looking forward to a great partnership," said Aldrete.
