If Only Everyone Wore Diapers

The Agriculture Department will herd kids who attend their day care center to new pastures this spring.

USDA intends to close the child development center available to its employees by May 31 due to "facility issues," which one employee described to Government Executive as "sewer problems."

"Part of it is sewer problems because it is an old building," the employee said. "There are some facility issues that no one really has any control over and we thought we could fix it and make it work, but it's beyond that."

According to a letter to the 68 families impacted by the center's closing obtained by Government Executive, Agriculture is working with the General Services Administration to find a new location for the center prior to May 31.

"Should they not find a new location for the center, we will work closely with you to secure an alternative location for your child's education and care; such as, at other [Children's Creative Learning Centers] or KinderCare centers nearby," center director Janis Barksdale writes in the letter. "We will also try to secure employment for our teachers and staff at nearby centers."

USDA will hold a meeting for parents Friday at the agency's south building. Representatives from both USDA and GSA will be available to explain the decision and provide further details to parents who bring their children to the center.