On Nov. 7, First Baptist Church of Luling announced the permanent closure of its Wee School, a full-time daycare program for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old. The school’s last day of operation is Dec. 20.
First Baptist Church Pastor Cody Cunningham said the decision to close the school, which has 31 students enrolled, was a difficult one.
“The Wee School has been an important ministry of FBC Luling,” Cunningham said. “It was through a lot of prayerful discussion that we determined this was the only feasible option.”
In a letter to parents posted on Facebook, the church’s leadership team said it decided to close the school after staffing shortages and decreasing enrollment. Cunningham said these factors led to significant financial shortfalls, which meant it was not feasible to keep the school open through the end of the school year.
“The vision for the Wee School has always been to provide an affordable, Godly environment to serve the families of St. Charles Parish, which meant that it has often operated with a limited budget,” Cunningham said. “This shortfall meant that we could not increase pay, which has impacted our staff shortages.”
Cunningham said that staff shortages in the early childhood industry is a national trend.
“The job is a demanding job as the teachers cared for children for long hours, so the turnover rate is high,” he said. “We are thankful for the many workers who have given their time and energy to the ministry of the Wee School over the last sixty years.”
Cunningham also said the school experienced decreasing enrollment as families took advantage of new Head Start programs at some parish public schools, which impacted the number of children enrolled in the school’s older classes.
He said the most challenging part of the school’s closure is the impact on families.
“We know there is still a need for affordable childcare,” he said. “When we notified parents of the Wee School’s intentions to close, we also provided a list of other childcare options in the area.”
Cunningham said he is hearing from families that they are finding spaces in other childcare facilities.
“Our church is intentionally praying that the families would all be able to find a suitable solution,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham said that, as the school prepares for its closure, it will focus on showing the love of Christ to every family who walks through the door.
“We want to be good stewards to the opportunity we have left to impact these boys and girls for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said.
First Baptist of Luling opened the Wee School in 1964, and Cunningham said he is proud of the Wee School’s impact over the last sixty years.
“It has been bittersweet to read the comments and messages about how parents who attended the Wee School also sent their own kids through the Wee School,” Cunningham said. “We would like to thank the families who have allowed the Wee School to play a part in your child’s life, and we would appreciate your prayers as we determine other ways we can minister to our community in the years to come.”
