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NICOLE Richter said it was heart-breaking trying to explain to her son he would not be going to BRIT Beginners anymore.
The mother-of-two, who has been using the centre for about seven years, struggled to hold back tears when she picked up Isaac, 5, yesterday.
Bendigo TAFE announced the closure of the childcare centre late last year, with its final day yesterday.
Mrs Richter said she was angry about lots of things about the closure but was most upset about the effect it has on the children.
"There was no thought for the children," she said.
"That is the most disappointing thing - they did not think about the children at all."
Mrs Richter said she had started Isaac at a new facility to help him transition.
"He doesn't understand why he can't (go) back to (BRIT Beginners)," she said.
"We have mini meltdowns each morning.
"He would walk into (BRIT Beginners) like he owns the place.
"Now he feels like a stranger - it breaks your heart.
Mrs Richter said she felt 'ambushed' when told about the closure of the centre via a letter and said it was an 'absolute disgrace'."
Kate Adamson, who had two children at BRIT beginners, said her daughters 'loved it there' and said it had become their 'second home'.
"It is everything to them," she said.
"They went there five days a week.
"They got used to the workers and the friendships they made, and now it's ending.
"It's a shame.
"Every time they drive past now they will give (the centre) a wave because (that is how much it meant to them."
Ms Adamson said she was still angry at Bendigo TAFE and how it had handled the announcement of the closure of the centre.
"It was terrible," she said.
"There was no option.
"It put a lot of people out."