Salt Lake County shuts down daycare centers by May — Parents say they’re “Left on their own” to find Childcare

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Parents across Salt Lake County are racing against time after officials confirmed that all county-operated childcare centers will shut down by the end of May. The Salt Lake County Council voted 5-3 this week to delay the closure until then, giving families five more months to arrange new childcare plans — but many say it’s not enough.

Originally, the daycare facilities were expected to close in December, but after public backlash, council members extended the timeline to ease the transition for affected families. Parents, however, say the move merely postpones the inevitable.

“The council just put a Band-Aid over the situation,” said Jefferson Curtis, one of several parents urging the county to reconsider. “It’s hard — it’s gut-wrenching. You know it’s coming, but you’re still trying to figure out how to get around it.”

Parents Voice Frustration Over Lack of Long-Term Planning

For many parents, the decision feels abrupt and poorly planned. Curtis said he’s frustrated that there was “never an attempt to make the programs sustainable.”

Council Chair Dea Theodore defended the decision, emphasizing that running daycare centers is not financially viable for the county.

“We understand this is difficult for families,” Theodore said. “But we’re not in the business of operating childcare centers. These buildings need major updates, and it’s not a sustainable expense for taxpayers.”

She added that extending operations through May would give parents time to find new childcare options before the school year ends.

Still, families are finding it nearly impossible to locate affordable alternatives. “There’s still a lot of us struggling to find affordable care,” Curtis added.

Private Centers Step In to Fill the Gap

While Salt Lake County phases out its daycare programs, private childcare providers are stepping up to fill the void. In Kansas City, one such success story is Kids in Christ Academy, a growing childcare center led by Christina Puckett, who has worked in childcare since 1989.

Located at 39th and Troost Avenue, the new facility has become a haven for families seeking quality early childhood education. Many parents followed Puckett from her former site, drawn by her warm, family-oriented environment.

“When parents walk in, they’re amazed,” Puckett said. “They tell others, ‘Wait till you see this place — it’s beautiful!’”

Puckett credits much of her success to a partnership with LINC’s Early Childhood Program, which provided resources and training during the pandemic. LINC helped improve classroom design, safety measures, and behavioral support, while also funding better materials and furniture.

“We’ve done so much together,” Puckett told Sarah Ramirez, LINC’s Early Childhood Coordinator. “You stuck with me through the pandemic. And here we are.”

The collaboration helped Kids in Christ Academy win a major bid from the Kansas City Area Transit Authority earlier this year, allowing it to expand into a larger location that serves even more families.

Ramirez said supporting programs like Puckett’s aligns with LINC’s mission to strengthen early learning opportunities. “From birth to age five is the most critical period of development,” she said. “It’s where the foundation for learning begins.”

The Bigger Picture

As Salt Lake County exits the childcare sector, experts warn that private programs may not be able to fully meet the demand. Advocates are calling for new public-private partnerships to ensure affordable and accessible early education.

For families like the Curtises, the coming months will be a race to find stability before May arrives — and before the county’s doors close for good.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Salt Lake County closing its daycare centers?

The county says operating childcare centers is no longer financially sustainable and that facilities require costly upgrades.

Q2. When will the closures take effect?

All four county-run childcare centers will remain open until the end of May 2026.

Q3. What are parents saying about the closure?

Many parents are frustrated and worried about finding affordable alternatives, calling the delay a “temporary fix.”

Q4. Are there private options available for affected families?

Yes, private centers like Kids in Christ Academy in Kansas City and others in Utah are stepping up to meet demand, but capacity remains limited.

Q5. Is there any financial assistance planned for families?

The council mentioned the possibility of creating a fund to support parents but has not released any formal plan or timeline.