Kool Kidz Tarneit will reopen its doors this weekend, eight months on from the fatal car crash that destroyed the childcare centre.
The centre, which was demolished when a car that was already on fire veered off the road and ploughed into the building in the early hours of June 5, has since undergone a complete rebuild. It will make its triumphant return with an open day this Saturday before resuming operations next Monday.
“So many people wanted this service back and up and running, and I realised that it wasn’t just a business; it was a community, it was a family, it was a home,” Kool Kidz owner Samantha Johnson said.
Ms Johnson said the events of that fateful morning were still crystal clear in her memory.
“When I turned the corner down Hogans Road, all I saw was flames really high in the sky and I remember being across the road and feeling the heat.
“I pulled over my car, got out and saw one of my educators outside crying, and then I collapsed with shock.”
Despite her initial shock, Ms Johnson swung into crisis mode and by 6am had contacted all the staff and families to explain what had happened and tell parents not to bring their kids in. The Kool Kidz staff spent the rest of that day working out of the neighbouring Good News Lutheran College office to speak with families in more detail.
The Johnsons also held two emergency meetings that day with all of the families and by the end of the day, two centres in the area – Bluebird Early Education and Sparrow Early Learning – had agreed to take on every child and every employee while Kool Kidz rebuilt.
The pair have also hosted playgroups twice a week, and weekend events every three weeks so that Kool Kidz families could stay in touch.
Ms Johnson said the support of the community had been invaluable.
“It pushed me to keep on doing my best and make sure that this was on target and open as soon as possible.”
