Nursery owners worried about wage costs, attendance slump

Operators of private daycare and nurseries recording a drastic decline in their student roll numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic are afraid of what will happen to their businesses now that the minimum wage increase has been implemented since they are already struggling to keep their doors open.

Public Relations Officer of the Barbados Association of Private Child Care Operators Inc (BAPCCO) Adrian Millington told Barbados TODAY that though the experiences vary amongst the operators, the majority is affected significantly by reduced numbers whether it be as a result of social distancing requirements, or increased unemployment levels across the island. This has resulted in parents not being able to afford nursery fees forcing them to turn to their family members to provide care services.

“The numbers fluctuate weekly for various reasons. However, the numbers are down drastically for many. Nurseries that pre-COVID-19 had a roll in their 20’s and 30’s and even 40’s and over, now have less than 10 to 20 children in many cases. This struggling sector needs some form of governmental assistance. We are working to get adequate feedback from the operators so that we are better able to get a clearer picture of the current situation,” he said.

Millington said due to the low attendance being recorded, many operators are feeling the negative effects financially and some have opted to rotate staff in some instances as opposed to laying them off indefinitely. However, he noted that many day care workers have been laid off.

“Many operators are struggling to make ends meet with regard to paying their rents, mortgages, utility bills etc. Now also the increase in minimum wage will have a significant impact on the viability of these already struggling businesses.

“We are not against the increase in minimum wage. However, our business model doesn’t permit us the flexibility that most other businesses have as a certain ratio of caregivers to babies, toddlers, always has to be maintained.

“This automatically caps the earning potential. Many operators who were even struggling before will not be able to pay themselves a salary unless their numbers see a significant increase. However, the prevailing pandemic makes this likelihood even more uncertain,” he said.

Despite the challenges operators have been facing, the PRO said several employees at nurseries across the island have received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. According to Millington, parents can be assured that the COVID-19 protocols are being maintained and followed.
(anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb)