SEQUIM — Preschools are precious here.
And come summer, openings for young children are likely to become even fewer.
The nonprofit Sequim Early Learning Center will have its last day of operation on June 30, said director Marilyn Sage Walsh.
“It was a combination of everything,” said Walsh, 54.
Cash flow troubles and Walsh’s desire to “partly retire” were factors.
And during summer, she said, it’s a little easier for parents to find alternative care for their children since older siblings are home and teenagers are looking for work.
“I’ve been doing this for 26 years,” she said.
“I was just really, really tired.”
But she’s hopeful that a new director will come forward and reopen the center.
“I’ve had lots of interest. My big dream is that someone who’s looking to expand will move into this,” said Walsh, adding that the center sits in a country setting off U.S. Highway 101 and is connected to Carrie Blake Park by the Olympic Discovery Trail.
From 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Walsh and her 14-member staff provide preschool for 2- to 5-year-olds, plus an afternoon enrichment program for kindergartners.
Whoever comes forward to reopen the Early Learning Center will be immersed in a busy and invigorating environment, said staffer Kathleen Cisneros.
“Being there for the kids, making their day better” is the best thing about this work, Cisneros said.
“They make your day better. You learn something from them every day.
“This is the optimal place to give them nurturing and love.”
