Q&A: Dublin Daycare Owner Missing Her Kids, Staff During Pandemic

DUBLIN, CA — When schools shut down and parents stopped commuting to work, woman- and Brown-owned preschool The Little Butterflies Daycare in Dublin took a big hit.

Patch is trying to support local businesses by giving them a platform to share their successes and tribulations during the coronavirus pandemic. The following comes from Janani Krishnakumaar, director of The Little Butterflies Daycare in Dublin:

Editor's note: These responses have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

What do you do and how long have you been in business?

I run a preschool. It’s a licensed family childcare and I have been running it for 4 years.

What challenges have you encountered during the pandemic?

Loss of children since parents didn’t want to send them back, and I have only half the capacity now. I used to have 14 children before this pandemic started and my staff needs to stay home since I don’t have enough kids to pay them.

How have you adapted and continued to serve people during this time?

Since we had essential families, our daycare never closed and has been open just to serve those two families throughout pandemic time. From June we opened up to nonessential families too. We are following all the health protocols that we need to follow to keep the children in our care safe.

What aspect of your work are you most looking forward to returning to when restrictions are lifted?

I am looking forward to have my staff and rest of the children back.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell readers or customers?

Daycares are struggling a lot since parents are scared to send the kids back but we are doing everything we can to keep all of them safe. We spend a hell a lot of money for the cleaning supplies and making sure we sanitize the place well so all children and adults are safe in our care. We wish parents would trust us and send the kids back to us so they have a good routine.

How can people get in touch with you?

Call 410-585-5988.

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This article originally appeared on the Dublin Patch