Century-Old Pasadena Child Care Threatened by Pandemic for 2nd Time

A 110-year-old Pasadena child care center that weathered the Spanish Flu of 1918 once again finds itself threatened by a pandemic. And just like a century ago, it’s reaching out to the community for support to help it survive.

Seven months into stay-at-home orders and other pandemic responses, including countless parents now working from home, has dealt a severe blow to the industry nationwide, according to research from the Center for American Progress.

The Pasadena Day Nursery has launched an online fundraiser to help offset the losses suffered due to the pandemic at gofundme.com/f/pasadena-day-nursery-support-through-covid19.

“In 1918, with the support from the community, we made it through the Spanish Flu,” the organization said in a written statement. “Over 100 years later we find ourselves once again in the midst of a pandemic. With financial support from you and the community at large, we are confident that we will continue our legacy of providing quality care to countless children for years to come — through thick and thin.”

At the national level, nearly 4.5 million child care slots — spaces for well over 11 million children — could be permanently lost due to the pandemic, according to the Center for American Progress report. That amounts to 49% of total available child care slots in the country.”

The prediction was even bleaker in California, where an estimated 51% of child care slots were in jeopardy, according to the report.

“Nationwide, other childcare centers are closing,” according to the Pasadena Day Nursery statement. “We know firsthand the financial challenges, as well as the operational strains brought on by this pandemic, but no expense and/or guideline has been too great to ensure the health and well-being of the children in our care, nor for our unsung heroes, our teachers. With dedicated teachers, we hope to stay open and welcome new children, in the safest environment possible.”

While the facility had saved up funds in case of an emergency, “nothing could have prepared us for the prolonged impact of COVID-19 and wildfires in our own backyard,” the statement continued. “With dedication and countless hours of hard work, we have made it this far: unfortunately we don’t have a stream of endless financial means. As a result, we ask you for your help and contributions, so that we can remain open for the community, and continue to provide quality care for our children.”

The fundraiser had garnered more than $1,500 in donations as of Thursday.

More information on the Pasadena Day Nursery is available online at pasadenadaynursery.org.