Delphine Binet, director of a crèche in Amay, has been calling for help for two years now as many crèches have closed down in the area. She said that the situation is causing a financial burden on parents and herself. Delphine is an independent and last year, to get by, she paid herself 5 months’ rent out of 12 since the only income she receives is from parents. She regrets not having any outside help, thus, she has to increase the price paid by parents to keep the crèche running. The closure of crèches has affected over 2,000 families since 2020 resulting in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation adopting an emergency system to support those crèches in financial difficulty. The major reform of the sector in 2019 modified the system of subsidies and access to the profession, and the Minister for Children, Bénédicte Linard, defends herself saying that she inherited a reform that had and still has many difficulties, but work is ongoing to correct persistent obstacles. Some independents, like Audrey, have lost hope and have decided to stop their services due to their dissatisfaction. The aid process for crèches should be gradual and if further closures occur, the Birth and Childhood Office will analyze the situation and offer support to parents.
Delphine’s nursery has been calling for help for 2 years now. “In Amay, many crèches have closed for a few years“, says Delphine Binet, director of a crèche. “We really feel the parents in the embarrassment and many colleagues are crumbling financially.“
Delphine is independent. And she, too, is on the brink of closure. Last year, she paid herself 5 months’ rent out of 12 to get by. “The only income we have is the share that the parents pay each month“, she regrets. “We have no outside help. We must therefore increase the price asked of the parents in order to survive.“
Many families affected by the closures
Since 2020, more than 2,000 families have been victims of crèche closures. To prevent the phenomenon from accelerating, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation has just adopted an emergency system. It must support crèches in financial difficulty. “It’s probably coming a little late“, says Alan Keepen, administrator of the Federation of Early Childhood Homes.”Successive index increases, exploding energy prices, approaching deadlines, etc. For the moment, we are witnessing an acceleration of the process.“
The crux of the problem is the major reform of the sector voted in 2019. This notably modified the system of subsidies and access to the profession. The Minister for Children defends herself. “I inherited a reform that had, and still has, many difficulties“, says Bénédicte Linard.”Work continues to correct persistent obstacles.”
“I do not believe it anymore”
But for Audrey, it is already too late. This independent has decided to stop this year. “I honestly don’t believe in it anymore“, she sighs. “I have been doing this job for 10 years and we have no recognition. We are not real independents but we have all the disadvantages. “
The aid process should take place gradually. And if further closures cannot be avoided, the Birth and Childhood Office will then have to analyze the offer available to support parents.
The closure of daycare centers across Wallonia and Brussels has left thousands of families struggling to find affordable childcare. Despite the adoption of an emergency system by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation to support crèches in financial difficulty, the sector remains in crisis due to a major reform of subsidies and access to the profession. Independent daycare owners like Delphine are facing financial ruin, while Audrey has already decided to call it quits. It’s a dire situation that demands urgent attention and action from government authorities. Let’s hope our leaders take the steps necessary to secure the future of early childhood education and support those families who depend on it.