A kindergarten in Brisbane’s north has been slammed for attempting to charge parents more than $2000 for their children’s artwork, in a desperate bid to pay off the centre’s mounting debts.

Craigslea Kindergarten in Chermside West issued the notice earlier this month saying parents would have to pay to take home their child’s artwork or forfeit the art.

The centre said the funds would be used to pay back $40,000 it allegedly owed to staff members.

One parent, identified as Brooke, said she received an email from the centre’s director Thomas D’Souza.

“That email essentially said the committee had passed a resolution to try and fundraise by selling the children’s artwork,” she said.

“It’s ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous.

“I don’t even really have words for it.

“We signed consent forms at the start of the year that say the portfolios belong to us and that parents have a right to handle their kid’s sensitive information including photos.”

She claims when she decided to take her child’s portfolio without paying, the director reported her to police for stealing.

One long-time educator told 9News the centre had closed for the last two weeks of term – and they feared they may not receive money they’re allegedly owed and children would be unable to attend the centre for the final term of the year.

“My heart and soul’s in the kindy and what’s happened recently not only affects the educators but it affects the whole community,” the woman, identified as Bev, said.

“It just breaks my heart to think that this one man can do what he’s done to the kindergarten.

“The staff have not been able to access the building, we have not been able to get our personal effects.

“We all received a final pay slip and an email to say that unfortunately, any redundancy packages would not be paid as the kindergarten is insolvent.”

Craigslea Kindergarten is affiliated with early childhood education provider C&K but is independently run.

A C&K spokesperson told 9News complaints raised by families are under investigation and it “unequivocally condemns any practice that involves charging parents for their children’s portfolios.”