Poole's Corner daycare still waiting for full-time licence

The owner of a private day care in eastern P.E.I. says she's disappointed and frustrated byhow long it's taking to get a licence to offer full-time daycare to families in the area.

Josie Sheehan runs Kidz Corner Learning Academy in Poole's Corner.

"I have a waiting list of 32 children waiting to come," said Sheehan. "It's just devastating trying to come up with words to explain to parents that yet again, you have to wait."

• Families looking for help, but daycare can't get licence

Sheehan applied nearly a year ago for the licence. She saidshe has been repeatedly turned down, due to vacancies at other early learning centres in the area.

$250K investment

Earlier this month, the government promised to assess needs in the area, then make a decision.

Sheehan saidshe was informed Tuesday by telephone, it will now be the end of August before a decision is made on her latest application.

Kidz Corner Early Learning Academy opened for business in May, with two employees. Sheehan believes a full-time daycare licence would allow her tohirea dozen staffand offer care to 49 children.

She said she has invested $250,000 in the business.

Private daycare operators respond

After voicing frustrations earlier this month,Sheehan saidshe's been contacted by other private daycare operators on P.E.I., and on the mainland who have run into similar licensing challenges.

I intend to keep trying- JosieSheehan

"There's talk of forming an association of private daycares, to work together and solve these problems," said Sheehan.

"I intend to keep trying to get a full-time licence," said Sheehan.

The P.E.I. Department ofEarly Learning said in an email to CBC News demand for child care is a consideration when licensing new centres, and noted there are some vacancies in eastern P.E.I.

It said the Child Care Facilities Board is taking a closer look at demand for child care in the area.