Classes being cancelled didn’t stop some parents and students from continuing their regular routine on Monday.

“I have a seven-year-old here and her friend who want to be in school, that cried on Saturday because they can't go to school today,” said parent Angelita Delsesto. “So we're here supporting their teachers.”

“It's ridiculous that the government thinks they can play politics with our children's futures,” said parent Amy Pearl.

Across the province, teachers were greeted by supporters as they went to work in empty classrooms.

“What they are doing for us we would do for them in a heartbeat,” said one Dartmouth school teacher. It's pretty amazing... I don't want it to be like this... I've been doing this 29 yrs and never seen anything like this.

“We are not getting what we need from education,” said Grade 9 student Nick Highmore.

The protesters also descended on city hall and the legislature.

“Of course I don't like not being in school today, but it's important that we support our teachers,” said protester and student Shamus Tobin. 

Parents scrambled to find child care options for their children after the government closed schools.

Father of three Jayson Iutzi had to take the day off work to get two of his kids to daycare.

"I think it's unfair what's happening to teachers, and it's not right having government lock out my kids so they can't attend education," said Iutzi.

Kenny Sampson also stayed home with his two daughters.

“For people trying to find childcare, the places filled up pretty quick and some are pretty expensive,” he said. 

Daycares and other programs for youth across Nova Scotia were filled to capacity.

“We have quite the crowd,” said Chester Borden, executive director of the Whitney Pier Youth Club. "We're usually on flex hours because kids are in school, so right now we're just going to go 9 to 5, cancel our evening programs, and as you can see behind me,

Lisa Rondeau runs three government regulates daycare facilities. She says the Department of Early Childhood Development called to suggest they find creative ways to open spots for school aged children.

“I was concerned they were just willing to do a quick inspection to make that happen for some centres,” Rondeau said.

Students will return to the classroom on Tuesday. As for when the two sides will be back at the table remains to be seen.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl and Ryan MacDonald.