Trump's executive order forces Flowers Early Learning to temporarily close

VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. -- Flowers Early Learning closed their doors after President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing federal funding resulting in them not being able to pay their staff.

The pause in federal funds locked Flowers Early Learning out of critical resources on Tuesday which led to them to not being able to access their funding portal, furloughing their staff and closing until Wednesday when the matter was resolved.

The pause was lifted within 24 hours and the learning center was able to access the federal funds. One problem was fixed but that problem led to more problems, delays, and uncertainty.

Kevin Wordelman, Human Resources Director at Flowers Early Learning, wants the community to understand federal funding inconsistencies which means another financial roadblock that will pause class sessions for the next fiscal year.

“Thankfully we were only closed for one day today but now we’re worried about next week so we're going to finish out this week strong and hope that we're ready to go next week but we're waiting for that funding from the federal government,” said Wordelman. “If we don't have funds in our account by the end of the day on Friday the 31st, we may not be able to open our doors next week, so we are waiting on that award and hoping that the Office of Head Start will follow through with that, with those funds.”

The Flowers Early Learning CEO has traveled to Washington D.C. to discuss the future of childcare in Southwest Michigan with local and state lawmakers to get the answers needed to keep their doors open.

Forty-one classrooms and over 600 families are depending on state funding to be able to attend school. This has left families devastated and frustrated.

A Flowers Early Learning parent went to Facebook with her frustration that her daughter will be left without a school she adores, and that her teachers would be without a job.

After speaking with Congressman Tim Walberg, he says his office has been in contact with Flowers Early Learning.

“We are committed to addressing all administrative hiccups that may have been caused by these delays. We plan to keep them updated as we work diligently to ensure state funds can be distributed before their deadline,” said Walberg.

Flowers Early Learning has until the end of the workday Friday to gather the necessary federal funds from the Office of Head Start or they will be forced to close their doors.