Beloved Clear Lake preschool to close after years of financial struggles

Clear Lake United Methodist Church Preschool will shut its doors on July 31, 2023. The closure follows years of financial strain, leaving families and staff facing uncertainty about the future. The decision comes after the church spent over £500,000 from its operating budget to keep the preschool running over the past three years. Despite these subsidies, leaders could not find a way to make the programme financially sustainable.

Staff members now worry about their jobs, as many are not eligible for unemployment benefits. Some even have children enrolled at the preschool, benefiting from discounted tuition. Meanwhile, parents are scrambling to secure alternative childcare for nearly 100 children before the closure date. The church has stressed its commitment to finishing the current school year smoothly for both students and employees. While the Clear Lake area is not considered a 'daycare desert', available openings in other local programmes remain limited, adding to the challenge for families.

The preschool’s closure marks the end of a long-standing community service. Families must now find new arrangements before August, while staff seek other employment. The church’s financial support could no longer cover the programme’s operating costs.