Update from Bluffton Child Development Center – The center's board posted the following letter to parents and guardians on its Facebook.

It is with regret that we inform you that, due to the recent COVID-19 Pandemic, the Bluffton Child Development Center’s (BCDC) Board of Directors has voted to close BCDC temporarily, effective the end of business Friday, March 20.

We want you to know that we did not come to this decision lightly as we know how much it will impact you and your family. However, acknowledging that this crisis is going to get worse, we want to be proactive in protecting the health and well-being of your children, your families, and our staff.

On Sunday, Governor DeWine stated that while he has not ordered day care centers to close yet, an order will be coming soon. We have not heard any word on when that will occur but we wanted to give you as much time as possible to make other plans.

We will be monitoring the situation closely and reassessing this decision, to temporarily close, every two weeks while we remain closed.

At such time when we believe your children and our staff can safely return to BCDC, and in compliance with any state orders that may be coming, we will reopen.

We will communicate with you again on March 31, in regards to any further decisions that have been made.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate these difficult decisions. We wish you and your family well.

On behalf of the Bluffton Child Development Center Board of Directors,
Kathryn “Ryn” Farmer