Erica Kindergarten has been given the green light for 2021.

After being in recession this year and significant doubt around running a program next year, YMCA last week confirmed the Erica kindergarten would be open.

YMCA executive manager children’s services Vicki Dobson said the kindergarten was taking bookings for next year.

She said YMCA had confirmed enrolments with families who came forward after the original announcement that Erica would close.

“This means we have at least seven children – combined three and four-year-olds – at this stage who will be attending.  

“It was very unfortunate that they did not put forward their interest during the normal application period, as this could have been avoided had that been the case.

“In making this decision, the Y Ballarat will be operating this service at a loss for the year, but are prepared to do so while we revisit other options for the future delivery of the program,” she said.

Ms Dobson said their first priority was the ability to operate an engaging, positive educational program that would support children with the necessary social learning they need before attending school.  

“Closing a kindergarten program is a very serious step, and one that is not taken lightly.  We understand that these programs can be at the centre of a small community,” she said.

Erica Kindergarten went into recession this year after only three enrolments were received from two families.

Indications the kindergarten would not operate again next year were greeted with shock by local families in September.

At that stage, the then Baw Baw Shire Cr Michael Leaney advocated to YMCA to reconsider its decision.

“I think they’ve jumped the gun here by sending out a closure notice before the enrolments had even closed,” he said.  

“Erica is a great kinder,” he said.  “They’ve got some really good programs.  People were enrolling from Moe and Newborough.”