Dear Editor:

Although many are already aware of the closure of Lighthouse Learning Center, I think it’s important for us to understand the the ramifications of this. For those of you with children, you already know how scarce childcare availability is. There are a limited number of facilities, all are full and require you to join their waiting list. You also won’t be able to find one that offers the extensive curriculum, involvement and trips, LLC offers. In recent weeks someone has committed to shutting the program down due to the workers not practicing safe COVID-19 protocols.

It’s public knowledge that LLC wasn’t enforcing the mask mandate. Whether it be right or wrong to you, for the kids, it was a safe, normal place for them in this new world of extensive rules. As a mother, this quickly became something very important to me. We all knew the plan was to continue running as close to normal as they could keep it, for the sake of the children’s mental well-being. Kim always gave us the opportunity to say if we were uncomfortable with anything and had other options provided, if needed. The state allowed us to proceed this way. When they told us it was time to start masking, we did so.

It should also be known that this was the only regulation not being followed through — we extensively disinfect, sanitize, remind kids to continue hand washing and talk about the importance of keeping our germs to ourselves. We are thankful no Covid cases have presented themselves at LLC. This shut down displaces 40 kids and puts their parents (many of whom are essential workers) at risk of not being able to work and provide for their families. This shut down comes at the expense of every family involved. I have never questioned my children’s safety attending, and it is one of my top priorities as a worker. LLC deserves to be open and operating. I encourage all of you who are in favor of this closure to really think about how this effects the community as a whole.

Kaitlin Orne

Edgecomb