Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article, stated Cornerstone Christian Fellowship is closing its day care at the end of the summer. That was not correct. Cornerstone Christian Fellowship does not run its own day care. Sorry, for this confusion.

Shannon Mandeen and her husband own the property at 1 Brandywine St. In front, facing Brandywine St., is a small home that they rent. In the back, facing Market St., is a derelict outbuilding with a wide open room, a bathroom, and some storage space. This building was previously used as an electrical shop, a print shop, and most recently a yoga studio. It clearly hasn’t been used as anything in a while.

“It’s an eyesore,” said Shannon.

In its place, they would like to see a preschool. They plan to rehab the building, add a fence and some native plantings. They are discussing terracing the front yard so little feet don’t roll down the narrow side lot into Market Street. They see arts and crafts and sleeping mats in the open area, walking trips into town or over to Everhart Park to learn about bugs and nature. They are the landlords but the space will be rented and the school run by the team at Boulder Kids. There will be 10 kids, ages three to six, in the program that will likely run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

As is almost always the case in these projects, there has been some opposition from neighbors. In this case, one, in particular, has raised concerns about trash, setbacks, parking, and parents illegally using a neighboring private road. In general, they just don’t believe the location is a good place for a day care.

“I respectfully disagree with that,” said Shannon as we toured the property. “This is a great spot. It’s within walking distance of two parks and downtown,” she said.

Need versus not in my neighborhood

I get the “not in my neighborhood” objections. These seem to come up every time a new project is proposed. I suppose it’s the natural human reaction to the unknown – especially when that unknown is moving in next door. What I was less sure of was the need. So I began reaching out to day cares in and around the Borough asking when they are accepting infants. (At the time, I thought the project was a day care, but that, it turns out, is just in terms of zoning classifications. It’s really a preschool.)  

The responses were shocking. Little Faces Day Care is not accepting new infants until March 2025. West Chester Area Day Care Center is the same. At the United Methodist Children’s Center, it’s even longer.

“Thanks so much for reaching out! We currently are not accepting new infants as we are currently full and full for the entire 24-25 school year. As of right now, we are accepting infants for the 25-26 school year, meaning if you think you will be pregnant soon or are just getting that positive test – it’s time to enroll,” UMCC Director Mackenzie Carroll wrote in an email.

I gave her a call.

“It’s unbelievable,” she said of the current situation. “I get calls with parents saying we’re trying to get pregnant. I want to get on the list now. I’m usually the secret keeper.”

It’s a little surreal to think the first person to learn about your pending bundle of joy is your (hopefully) future day care director. Day care has been in a tough situation for a while and since COVID it’s only gotten worse.  

“I think the childcare industry has taken a real poor turn after COVID,” said Mackenzie. “I think too many closed and never reopened. Staffing is an issue.”

In West Chester, the Church of Nazarene on S. Darlington St. used to have a day care but it closed. The closures, coupled with parents returning to offices and an already tight situation, are creating a situation of extreme demand in the Borough.  

Would it be fair to call it a crisis? I asked Mackenzie.

“I would agree with that,” she said. “I think parents would agree with that and I know those in the industry would agree with that.”

A special exception

Opening a day care in the Borough is always a special exception, Shannon tells me. This means to open her day care, even though it’s a preschool, she will need to plead her case before the Zoning Hearing Board. This week the Borough agreed not to oppose the use case on the property but they do have a series of conditions regarding offsite parking, play structure placement, and operating hours they would like to see enforced. That is ok. Shannon can meet the requests.

“We are very pleased with the outcome!” she shared in an email. “All we wanted was non-opposition, we’re always ready to work on concerns.”

And the Borough should not be in opposition to this – at least not for any of the reasons stated. Already, current housing prices aren’t welcoming to first-time homeowners. Now day care shortages are squeezing young families.  

This new addition to Boulder Kids won’t do anything to help Mackenzie with her infant problem. Still, she’s in full support of its opening.

“I hate all the people I have to turn away. I am all for it. I think it’s good for the community,” she said.  

Editor’s note: For all of you who didn’t think to book your childcare with your first OBGYN appointment, don’t panic. There is still some infant availability in the Borough. The Goddard School on W. Nields St. confirmed they are currently accepting infants and I heard there may be availability at the YMCA Oscar Lasko Childcare Center on Chestnut St. Also, note, this was not meant to be a full audit of every day care in the area. If you have day care decisions on the horizon, of course, do your own research. Just maybe start that research sooner rather than later to give yourself the most options.

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Originally published on May 17, 2024

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