Waterman Early Learning Academy: A Comprehensive Overview
Waterman Early Learning Academy, situated in Tavares, Florida, had been a prominent provider of childcare services for several years. Known for its commitment to offering a safe, caring, and nurturing environment, the academy aimed to support the holistic development of the children in its care. Boasting a team of well-trained and dedicated staff, the academy facilitated exploration, learning, and growth for young children. However, recent financial difficulties led to the academy's closure, impacting numerous families in the Lake County area.
Key Features of Waterman Early Learning Academy
Before its closure, Waterman Early Learning Academy highlighted several key features to attract and serve families:
- Friendly Teachers: The academy emphasized the importance of having approachable and caring teachers.
- Knowledgeable Staff: A well-informed staff was considered crucial for providing quality care and addressing parents' concerns.
- Mentally Stimulating and Safe Activities: The academy aimed to offer activities that promoted cognitive development while ensuring a secure environment.
- Easy-to-Use Enrollment and Waitlist System: Streamlined administrative processes were intended to make enrollment convenient for parents.
- Opportunities for Interaction: The academy provided numerous opportunities for children to interact with their peers, fostering social skills.
- Convenient Location: Proximity to homes or workplaces was a key consideration for the academy's location.
Waterman Early Learning Academy offered part-time, full-time, and drop-in scheduling options to accommodate various family needs.
Sudden Closure and Parental Reactions
On December 29, 2024, parents received a letter announcing that Waterman Early Learning Academy would permanently close its doors on January 10, 2025. The announcement cited soaring rent and rising operational costs as the primary reasons for the closure. This abrupt notice left families with just over a week to find alternative childcare arrangements, causing significant distress and uncertainty.
Kerry and Joel Oquendo, parents of a 5-month-old daughter named Emma, expressed their shock and emotional strain upon receiving the news. Kerry Oquendo described the situation as "emotionally taxing," highlighting the difficulty of finding suitable infant care in Lake County.
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Other parents echoed these sentiments, with Steph Smalley expressing the stress of receiving such short notice. Kelsey Sherman shared that Waterman Early Learning Academy was "hands down the best daycare my child went to," underscoring the academy's positive impact on families.
Financial Challenges and Contributing Factors
The closure of Waterman Early Learning Academy was attributed to a combination of financial challenges:
- Operating at a Loss: The academy had been operating at a significant loss, with annual deficits ranging between $200,000 and $300,000, even before the current management took over.
- Increased Tuition and Personal Investment: Despite increasing tuition rates and the director contributing $50,000 of personal funds annually, the financial strain persisted.
- Rent Increase: AdventHealth, the owner of the building, informed the academy that rent would increase from $1,500 to $14,000 per month, a nearly tenfold increase.
- Unsuccessful Relocation and Expansion Efforts: Attempts to relocate or expand the preschool, including partnering with local organizations and purchasing new facilities, were unsuccessful.
- State-Mandated Space Requirements: State regulations limited classroom capacities, reducing the number of students the preschool could accommodate and further impacting revenue.
The academy's CEO noted that a significant percentage of parents using the facility were employees of AdventHealth.
AdventHealth released a statement acknowledging the concerns raised by families and stating that they had been working with the academy's operations team for nearly two years, providing below-market rent while the academy explored alternate location sites.
Impact on the Community and Potential Solutions
The closure of Waterman Early Learning Academy exacerbated the existing challenges of finding childcare in Lake County, particularly for families with infants. Parents expressed frustration with the lack of available alternatives, as several area preschools had closed in recent months.
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In response to the closure, parents and community members suggested potential solutions:
- Opening More Daycares: Kerry Oquendo suggested that opening more daycares in the area could alleviate the burden on families.
- Relocation: Some families considered moving closer to Orlando, where there are more childcare options available.
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