New Jersey parents upset over possible closure of daycare

Marlton, N.J. (WTXF) - Parents in Burlington County might have to find some place else to take their children for daycare. A beloved childcare program may be closing leaving some families very upset, but the decision isn't up to the school.

After 4 years of taking his kids to daycare, Shawn Feeney just found out Marlton's Teddy Bear Academy may close its doors after a local competitor filed a lawsuit.

"It's upsetting. Now, we have to look for a new place. It's hard to find daycare that fast," he said.

85 other Evesham Township parents were told the same thing.

At an emergency meeting the Evesham school superintendent informed parents they may have to make new arrangements for their kids.

Teddy Bear is run by the Evesham School District for kids from 6 weeks to 4 years old. It's an arrangement another local daycare claimed was illegal. nearby Under the Sun Learning Center filed a lawsuit claiming Teddy Bear exceeded it's statutory authority.

On Wednesday, an administrative law judge ruled in favor of Under the Sun. The school district plans to appeal while warning parents the popular facility may have to close by next month.

"I was just shocked and disappointed for our parents and our staff and we are going to do what we can moving forward," School Superintendent John Scavelli.

The school district plans on appealing to the state commissioner of education. But if all fails, those 85 families will be looking for a new daycare.