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Sudden closure of Conway daycare leaves parents reeling, scrambling

CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) — A local daycare is closing after more than 60 years of serving its Conway area, and some parents are panicked as they scramble to find an alternative for their children. Lovell Weekday Ministry, part of First Baptist Conway Grace Church — is closing down on May 30. 'You're looking on the websites, trying to find out who has a good grade with DHEC and DSS. You're asking other parents, 'where does your kid go,'' said parent Merritt Bury. 'Most of the parents you know, they already go where you're going. Unfortunately, now you're competing with them at other daycares.' Another parent who wanted to remain anonymous said Pastor Brian Hoffman sent a letter out Monday announcing the daycare's end — which could come before May 30 based on staffing. 'The increasing legal and financial liabilities involved in operating a childcare facility' led to the decision, Hoffman's letter said. Days earlier, parents said Hoffman apologized, saying two Lovell employees were investigated by state regulators for 'inappropriately handling and disciplining children,' they told News13. News13 reached out to Hoffman, the church's office and Lovell's director, who all declined to comment. 'If the church is looking to grow, I do understand how that might hinder them. While selfishly us, as parents, this is hurting us,' Bury said. The anonymous parent told News13 that Debra Stauffer, the daycare's director, didn't want it to close, and its staff found out the same time as parents. 'I just hope all the teachers are able to find other resources for employment, and that all of our babies are able to find people to watch them,' Bury said. Hoffman told parents a town hall-style meeting is planned after services on Sunday for families to ask questions. * * * Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.