Due to challenges in recruiting qualified early learning teachers and other staff, along with the overall cost of administering and maintaining the center, Illini Community Hospital has made the difficult decision to close its child care center permanently as of February 28, 2025.
“The teachers and staff of our center are exceptionally skilled and passionate about educating and caring for children,” said Holly Jones, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, administrator, Illini Community Hospital. “However, due to challenges in recruiting additional staff, we have been unable to deliver services to the level for which we strive, and have been unable to increase enrollment to the point where the center could break even financially. To break even without an enrollment increase would require a fee increase that would be unsustainable for our families.”
“With those factors out of our control, the decision was made to close the center and to continue Illini Community Hospital’s focus on its mission – to improve the health of our communities,” Jones concluded.
The closing affects 45 families and 52 children, enrolled either full time, part time or per diem (as needed). The families are a mix of Illini Community Hospital employees and other community members. Illini has communicated with all families, encouraging them to contact the West Central Illinois Child Care Connection for assistance in identifying other child care options before the February 28 closing date.
The 12 staff members affected by the closing have been encouraged to consider remaining with the health system and offered help in identifying other job openings at Illini Community Hospital and Blessing Health for which they are qualified.