While Owner DeAna Kindt said she had originally planned to celebrate the anniversary a few weeks ago, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic put those plans on hold according to an April 14 news release.
"One day I had 15 teachers report to work and we were full of children laughing, playing and learning, and then the next day, we were virtually empty with only a handful of children remaining at the school and two teachers," Kindt said in a statement.
Although day care centers are considered essential workplaces and are able to stay open, per local and state coronavirus guidelines, Kindt said Little Explorers Academy is one of the few local child care centers that has elected to remain open, despite having lost 88% of her enrollment.
"I had to look at the safety of the children, teachers and myself," she said. "We are currently taking all recommended precautions and have implemented protocol from the Texas Health and Human Services Department, like drop off and pick up outside the front door. I am not making money, in fact, it is costing me more to stay open. But I feel strongly about trying to do my part in our community and help the essential workers so they can continue to be responsive in our community and work."
Kindt added that just like every other small businesses, she too is concerned with keeping the doors open to save jobs and continue serving families post-coronavirus.
"Although bigger businesses have a better chance of surviving this crisis, I am doing everything possible to keep my doors open," Kindt said. "I have applied for all the loans available to small businesses and trust that they will come through and help me pay my staff and the bills of the day care."
According to the release, Kindt is currently working with parents to waive fees for those who wish to return to Little Explorers Academy. She is also currently offering free registration and is enrolling new students.
To learn more about steps Little Explorers Academy is taking to combat the spread of coronavirus, click here. For information on enrollment and programming, call 281-547-8989, or visit www.littleexplorerskids.com.
