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Oak Park board approves short-term loan commitment to help Day Nursery stay open
Summary
The Village Board voted unanimously to authorize a loan commitment to the historic Day Nursery to provide short-term operating capital while the center develops a sustainability plan. The board and community speakers framed the loan as a bridge to preserve a century-old early-childhood provider that serves many lower-income families.
The Village Board of Oak Park voted unanimously to authorize execution of a loan commitment and agreement to provide short-term financial support to the Day Nursery, an early-childhood education provider that has served Oak Park since the early 20th century.
Board members and staff said the loan is intended as bridge financing to buy time for the Day Nursery to develop a plan for long-term sustainability, increase fundraising and rebuild operating reserves. Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Birch presented the staff proposal, noting the Day Nursery serves 66 children, 30 of whom are Oak Park residents, and currently has capacity for 77 children.
Why it matters: the Day Nursery is one of only two local child-care centers that accept the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program subsidy, attendees and staff said. That program’s reimbursement rate, the village reported, does not cover the full cost of providing care; staff said state reimbursements cover roughly $0.48 on the dollar for this provider, creating a structural operating shortfall.
Public commenters framed the vote as protecting families and preserving a community institution. Mary Reynolds, executive director of the Collaboration for Early Childhood, urged the board to view the loan as an investment in local infrastructure that keeps working families in the community. “Affordable early childhood programs are essential community infrastructure,” Reynolds said. Angela Dozle, a former parent, called the Day Nursery “a saving grace” for her family and urged support. Day Nursery Executive Director Dr. Catherine Eason told the board, “I am so grateful for everybody that told me they were showing up and that did show up… Thank you.”
Staff description and conditions: according to the presentation, the village’s proposal is a no-interest, forgivable loan secured by the Day Nursery property (four parcels totaling roughly 25,000 square feet and a landmark building). Staff said the loan would give the center operating capital to reach early 2026 and time to implement a sustainability plan that includes fundraising and, if feasible, hiring development capacity. The draft agreement would allow partial or full repayment from proceeds should the Day Nursery cease operations and sell any parcels; the village would also hold a right of first refusal on the site.
Financial context presented to the board: staff said the Day Nursery has run operating losses since COVID and has drawn down prior reserves. Operating losses were presented as about $23,000 per month in the 2023–24 year, rising to about $25,000 in the current operating year and projected to approach $30,000 per month in the following fiscal year. Staff said fundraising and development capacity are central to any long-term solution.
Board discussion and vote: trustees asked about the timeline for the Day Nursery to rebuild reserves and about how the village would follow the center’s fundraising and operational plans. Trustees expressed support at the meeting; Trustee Straw said preserving the Day Nursery would be “an incredibly low price to pay to preserve such an important institution.” The roll call vote was unanimous in favor.
What happens next: staff said the loan and accompanying technical support are intended to be a bridge while the Day Nursery develops a sustainability plan; staff will continue to coordinate with community partners and funders, and the village will monitor progress against fundraising and operational milestones.
Community reaction: a steady stream of former and current parents, teachers and local advocates spoke in favor of the loan during the public-comment period. Commenters described the Day Nursery’s sliding-fee, mission-driven model, and several noted the center’s role in serving low- and moderate-income families who rely on publicly subsidized child care.
The ordinance authorizing the loan commitment is effective immediately per the board’s action; staff will post the final agreement and implementation schedule on the village’s website when available.
