News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has revoked the operating licence of an early learning and child-care facility in Saint John.

Families of the 40 children attending Rhymes & Chymes Daycare have been notified of the decision, which results in the closure of the facility effective at the end of the current business day. An alternative early learning and child-care provider will be providing services on an emergency basis to families affected by the closure.

The department performs regular inspections of all licensed early learning and child-care facilities in the province. These inspections identify deficiencies and provide feedback to operators to help them achieve compliance. If the department is of the opinion that a facility is of inadequate quality or the well-being of children is at risk, it is required to act.

The department issued several compliance orders to Rhymes & Chymes Daycare, and inspections were increased to ensure the safety of children. Despite this, the orders for compliance have not been resolved and it was deemed that there is an imminent danger to the health, safety and well-being of children at this facility.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will continue to work with affected families to find permanent solutions.