As a result of a number of non-compliances involving unsupervised children, Willowbrae Academy West Point Centre, a child-care program in Edmonton, was suspended and placed on a probationary licence with a term that expired on Oct. 9. Since the probationary license was issued, Child Care Licensing has worked with the program through enhanced monitoring to support them in returning to compliance.

Due to ongoing concerns and unaddressed non-compliances involving unsupervised children, Willowbrae Academy’s suspended licence was not reinstated. The closure of this program affects about 187 children.

Families affected by the closure of the program were notified in person on Oct. 9. Families not informed in person will be notified by email as soon as the contact information is provided by the child-care program. In addition, a notice confirming closure of the program, which describes the reason for closure, has been posted on the door of the facility.

Jobs, Economy and Trade will continue to provide support, information and assistance to families looking for alternative child-care options.

Anyone with concerns about a child-care program in their community or needing to report an incident is encouraged to call Child Care Connect toll-free at 1-844-644-5165.

Information on child-care program closures can be found on the Finding and Choosing Child Care webpage (link below).

Quick facts

  • Jobs, Economy and Trade monitors licensed child-care programs across the province and takes appropriate actions to ensure safety and compliance with the Early Learning and Child Care Act and the Early Learning and Child Care Regulation.
  • A licence holder who is subject to a decision respecting their licence may request, within 30 days of the decision, an administrative review, alternative dispute resolution or an appeal to bring forward concerns regarding a licencing decision, up to and including cancellation.
  • Alternative child-care options can be found online through the Child Care Lookup Tool.

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