‘Need stable funding’: Parents fear closure of Regina daycare amid financial strain

Parents at a Regina daycare say a key donor withdrew funding forcing service cuts including transportation. Donovan Maess reports.

Parents are raising concerns about the potential closure of a local daycare as it struggles through financial constraints.

The Regina Early Learning Centre has operated in the Cathedral neighbourhood since opening in 1977.

For nearly five decades, it has provided childcare and other important programs.

Shanee Alexson’s family is at the centre nearly every day for its various resources.

“I’ve had lots of family that started with them, my grandmother, numerous aunts were teachers, drivers or nurses here,” she told CTV News. “There’s always been somebody in my family who has gone here over the years and that’s just why I hold it so close to my heart.”

“We are well connected and we love it,” Alexson added.

However, due to recent financial strain, the centre is cutting back on some services.

In a letter to parents obtained by CTV News, executive director Jessica Guraluick says preschool transportation will end June 30 as a result of “reductions in available funding.”

“Despite careful consideration and exploration of all possible alternatives, we have reached a point where continuing this service is no longer financially sustainable,” her letter said.

Rochelle Sugar fears even worse could happen should those constraints persist.

“There’s lots of families here,” she said. “The whole daycare centre is a lifeline. When it’s shut down, it’s not just my family is going to suffer, the whole community is going to suffer and the kids in the future are going to suffer.”

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Guraluick’s letter added financial strain continues to be a pressure point.

“At this time, we are continuing to navigate funding limitations more broadly,” she said. “While those challenges remain, we want to reassure you we are actively working to secure funding to allow our preschool program to continue operating for the 2026-2027 school year.”

The Regina Early Learning Centre did not respond to repeated interview requests.

Parents CTV News spoke to say the funding gap was created by a critical donor dropping its support for the centre.

“It’s a very big part of their funding,” said Solange Sharif. “Losing that big private donor means we’re losing transportation, then what are we losing next? We need to protect these spaces.”

“So many people have come here and it’s not just people in this community in Cathedral, but all of Regina,” Alexson added. “They were doing transportation all across the city. This place is for people who are broken, lost, hurt and damaged. What are they supposed to do?”

When asked where she would go if the Early Learning Centre closed, Alexson had a simple answer.

“I have no idea. I don’t even want to think about that,” she said pointedly.

Parents now are pleading to the community to drum up the necessary funds to keep the centre’s doors open.

“We just need stable funding,” said Sugar.

“This is the centre for low-income families,” added Alexson. “They helped me find resources. They drove me to all my programs and I connected with a lot of people and a lot of support.”

Those wishing to donate to the centre may do so here.