Date: February 8, 2024

In an unforeseen turn of events, Kidz Academy, a beloved children’s learning center and daycare in Sioux Falls, has announced a temporary closure. This decision, effective from February 7 until potentially March 5, has left the parents of 75 children scrambling for alternatives. The closure follows a mass resignation of staff, including the daycare director and six full-time employees.

The cascade of resignations began just after midnight on February 5, leading to an immediate staffing crisis. Amy Stockberger, one of the daycare’s owners, communicated the closure to parents through a late-night email, emphasizing the academy’s commitment to high-quality childcare and their regret over the temporary pause in services. Despite efforts to sustain operations by pulling in additional staff from Apple Tree East, the situation proved insurmountable.

This closure highlights a growing childcare challenge in Sioux Falls, exacerbated by a declining number of in-home daycares and ongoing staffing shortages. The city, grappling with a shortfall in licensed childcare slots, faces a critical juncture in addressing the needs of working parents. Kidz Academy’s situation is reflective of a larger, systemic issue, with 64% of childcare centers unable to reach their licensed capacity due to staffing constraints.

• Temporary closure of Kidz Academy due to mass staff resignation.
• Immediate impact on 75 families, with re-opening planned by March 5.
• Staffing crisis underscores a broader childcare shortage in Sioux Falls.
• Kidz Academy to undergo rebranding and service enhancement during closure.

In response to this crisis, Kidz Academy has proposed a strategic pause to reorganize and enhance its offerings, including the adoption of a Montessori program and a new food service. The rebranding to Apple Blossom Academy aims to mark a fresh start with an upgraded facility and curriculum. Meanwhile, discussions with Apple Tree East suggest potential short-term care solutions for essential workers’ families, mitigating immediate childcare gaps.

The temporary closure of Kidz Academy amidst a mass resignation incident is a stark reminder of the fragile state of childcare services in Sioux Falls. It calls for community-wide dialogue and action to address the staffing challenges and ensure the availability of reliable, high-quality childcare. As Kidz Academy embarks on its path to recovery and improvement, the broader issue of childcare provision in the city remains a pressing concern for all stakeholders.