Parents unite behind childminder from Langemark: “A childcare worker in heart and soul”

At the end of May, an incident happened in Kiekeboe childcare in Langemark in which a child suffered serious injuries. Kind en Gezin then decided to close the crèche for the time being for three months.

“Like Block Behind Her”

The parents of the children taken care of express their condolences in an open letter to Flemish Minister of Welfare Hilde Crevits and the OpGROening agency: “She is a childcare worker in heart and soul, with a big heart for the children. Since the incident, she has also continued. a very difficult period,” it says in the letter.

“After the accident, the counselor personally informed all parents, which is to her credit,” the parents continue. “As a sign of trust, we continued to take our children to daycare in the following days. As parents, we stand behind her as a rock.”

No promised help

The parents of about twenty children had to look for an alternative. The municipality of Langemark promised to help with this. But that help does not appear to be there yet.

“When we call Kind en Gezin, they say that they cannot help us find care for our children. Where can we go? We stand with our backs against the wall and feel abandoned. The promised help from the Unfortunately, the municipality also failed to materialize.”

Reception closed permanently

According to the agency, the shelter must temporarily close until an investigation provides more information. But according to the parents, the decision has already been made. “Through the whole fuss, our childcare provider has decided to close her daycare permanently. She informed us herself. There we were, full of disbelief.”

“We are not happy with the way in which the investigation was conducted. Of course every serious incident must be investigated, but with respect for both parties.” According to them, the childcare worker was only informed of the temporary closure by telephone, and there is no guidance.