Some said the closing of two day cares highlights the need for universal day care.
Madelyn Morrow was the lead toddler teacher at Sonnets Academy in Lincoln Park until it abruptly closed two weeks ago.
Sonnets in West Loop also closed.
"Having this upheaval in the day-to-day routine is, it's damaging for them. They don't really understand what's going on, and it's hard to explain," Morrow said.
The owner of Sonnets is Great Education Partners, whose owners include @properties co-founders Michael Golden and Thaddeus Wong.
Golden and Wong were among the partners listed in a bankruptcy filing in April.
On Sept. 26, signs went up on the doors of the day care after the day care closed for the day. And an email went out to parents the next day.
On Thursday, some of the parents and teachers at Sonnets rallied and left messages in chalk for Golden and Wong at one of the @properties offices.
"There's been a lot tears," parent Katherine Kalant said.
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Kalant says her 3-year-old had been at Sonnets for a year.
"I find it unbelievable; it would have never been something that I feel like any of the parents would have been prepared for because it was a place we trusted," Kalant said.
"It leaves families struggled to figure what is their next move? Where are they going to find reliable child care?" said Illinois Sen. Lakeshia Collins, who represents the 5th District.
Collins says the closing demonstrates the need for Illinois to move toward universal child care.
"I think it's really important to have universal children care, and it really should be treated as our education system or transportation system. Everyone needs child care," Collins said.
"You can't make a profit off of children; it's wrong, and their education is more important than the money they want lining their pockets," Morrow said.
Parents and workers owed money must file claims with the trustee.
The trustee assigned to the bankruptcy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The attorney representing Great Education declined comment.
Partners Golden and Wong did not immediately respond to requests for comment.