by Michele Newbern Gillis
Staff Writer
Bright Horizon’s Family Center at 330 N. Market St. will close its doors in 90 days after Bank of America, which subsidized the center’s operating expenses, decided not to renew the lease.
Typically, when Bank of America provides child care for its employees, a large number of workers are involved. That was not the case at Bright Horizon, said Amanda Malcolm, a spokesperson for Bank of America.
“We only had seven associates who had children in the downtown Bright Horizon’s location so we couldn’t justify subsidizing the operating expenses anymore,” said Malcolm. “We wanted to make sure we are serving a larger base of our associates. The families were notified yesterday [Tuesday].”
The center, which has been open four and a half years, has 30 employees and serves 70 families.
A meeting was held Wednesday at the center to discuss the closing.
“The parents were sharing resources on what other alternatives are out there,” said Malcolm. “The parents and employees were generally very gracious. They are thankful that the bank subsidized it as long as they did. I think we have given them ample time to find other arrangements. We are certainly trying to do the right thing and give them enough time to make alternative arrangements.”
Malcolm said they are offering alternatives, including information on child care facilities near their homes and offices.
There will also be a Care Fair, Jan. 23 at the center and local child care providers will be available to answer parent’s questions concerning child care are and help them get registered for other day care arrangements.
Bank of America employees who have children in the center have been offered spots at the Bright Horizons facility at the Bank of America’s Southside location.
“My son is out there,” said Malcolm. “I work downtown and it is a wonderful facility. The Southside location is just for Bank of America employees. It is a benefit offered to our associates here in Jacksonville.”