Playground stands quiet, waits for kids

By Diane Saunders
Staff Writer
Published on Sunday, August 17, 2008 11:59 AM MST

The colorful playground equipment stands ready to greet little children, but the fenced playground is eerily quiet — no laughter, no sounds at all.

This is what the outdoor play area was like at Kids Kountry, 301 E. Fourth St., on Aug. 8. The child-care facility closed its doors about two weeks ago, said Rebecca Rector, the mother of a 3-year-old son who went to the center.

“They gave us a 24-hour notice, and the next day they said they were out of business,” Rector said in a recent phone interview. “I thought that was just so rude.”

Kids Kountry child-care center in Safford recently closed its doors. Photo by Diane Saunders

Repeated phone calls from the Courier to Kids Kountry were not returned. No one answered the phone at the home of owner Evan Bustamante.

Rector said she was able to enroll her son in the preschool at the First United Methodist Church; however, other parents were not as fortunate because that preschool is now full.

Corrina Gonzalez, the preschool director, confirmed that the child-care and preschool facility is full; however, parents may place their child on a waiting list. The school serves children 1-11 years old and can accommodate up to 74 children per day.

The need for child care is increasing as more families move into the Gila Valley. Parents who need this service can visit the Web site of Child Care Resource & Referral at www.azchildcare.org or call 800-308-9000. there is a list of 35 local child-care providers.

For those who would like information on how to become a licensed or certified child-care provider, visit www.azdhs.gov/als/childcare/index.htm or www.azdes.gov/childcare/provider.asp.

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1 comment(s)

Concerned Parent wrote on Aug 24, 2008 9:14 PM:

" What happen?? Why did they close the doors?? "

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