NOTE: This petition was created by a parent, NOT by any members of the Kid's Station and/or KinderCare team. 

As both parents of children attending Kid's Station and associates at Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC), we feel compelled to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the decision to close down Kid's Station Powered by KinderCare.

The announcement of MWHC's decision to evict Kid's Station from its current location on Sam Perry Blvd. by the end of May has left us feeling disheartened and embarrassed as associates. There are several elements of this decision that deeply trouble us, and we believe they warrant reconsideration.

First and foremost, the decision to close Kid's Station will have a profound impact on the families of MWHC associates. The timing of this decision could not be worse, as it coincides with a well-documented childcare crisis in our area. With the closure of Kid's Station, many families will be forced to endure lengthy waitlists of six months or more to secure enrollment at other childcare facilities. This will undoubtedly result in significant hardship for working parents, with some being forced to reduce their work hours or even leave their jobs altogether to provide childcare for their children. Sadly, it is often the mothers who bear the brunt of these sacrifices, further highlighting the challenges faced by working mothers in our society.

Secondly, we are deeply concerned about the rationale behind MWHC's decision to reclaim the building currently housing Kid's Station. While we understand the need for expansion, it is disheartening to see this growth come at the expense of the very families that MWHC claims to value. The rapid expansion of MWHC without a corresponding increase in childcare facilities puts undue strain on working parents and undermines the organization's commitment to supporting its employees.

Lastly, the closure of Kid's Station represents a significant loss for MWHC employees who rely on the on-site childcare services provided by the facility. For many of us, access to on-site childcare was a major factor in our decision to join MWHC, and its removal will undoubtedly impact our ability to balance work and family responsibilities.

In light of these concerns, we urge you to reconsider the decision to close Kid's Station and explore alternative solutions that prioritize the needs of MWHC employees and their families. By doing so, MWHC can reaffirm its commitment to supporting its employees and fostering a workplace culture that values work-life balance and family well-being.