Little Leaps Learning Academy closing down

The last location of a Dubuque childcare business will permanently close soon. After years of financial pressures and shrinking enrollment, Little Leaps Learning Academy-Key West will shut its doors for the last time on Aug. 22 — taking with it dozens of jobs and childcare slots. Namely, 86 slots — 41 infant, 15 2-year-old, 22 pre-school and eight school-aged — and 26 positions. Co-owner and CEO Jake Rios said financial strife, insufficient state support and mismanagement are to blame for the closure. He expressed thanks to his employees for sticking with him this far and to other childcare providers in town for offering to take on his former staff. He said there are other childcare slots available in the city for his clients.