 |
Child
Care to Move for Summer Renovations
State-mandated repairs and improvements at two University Child Care buildings are forcing the office to relocate some of its programs to the School of Education's lab school in Skinner Hall for the summer. Although the move poses something of an organizational headache for Child Care staff and the 55 families expected to use the service this summer, UCC director Maryanne Gallagher said the uncertainties of the state bidding and construction process also raise questions about the availability of the buildings next fall. The renovation job is slated to go to bid next month, she said, but given the robust building industry and the nature of the renovation needed at the two 1930s-era buildings, Gallagher said there are concerns that no qualified bidders will compete for the job. "I hope there will be bids - I've got my fingers crossed," she said. "If it goes out to bid a second time, there's a very likely chance there will be a delayed opening in the fall." If a qualified bidder is awarded the job, renovation is tentatively scheduled for June 15 through Aug. 24. According to Gallagher, the overhaul of Farley and Bowditch lodges is needed to correct problems identified during a 1998 state inspection of the facilities on Stadium Drive. The University was allowed to keep the facilities open while a corrective plan was developed and put into place. Gallagher said the renovations are intended to address building code and child care licensing requirements. "The most significant problems are related to fire safety, including the installation of an alarm system that will dial 911 automatically." According to Gallagher, some thought was given to keeping one building open while the other was renovated, but the additional cost and time requirements mitigated against the idea. Last year, UCC took its first step to address the inspector's report by moving toddlers to a new modular structure installed nearby. Some of the space in the modular unit will be used for summer child care, said Gallagher. Right now, UCC staff are planning the move to Skinner, making class assignments and trying to communicate with parents who use the service. Gallagher said an update was sent out with summer enrollment forms last month. In recent weeks, the issue has also been raised during parent potlucks. This week, UCC began distributing a information sheet about the project. The move is set for May 22-26, said Gallagher. But the move is fairly simple compared to the larger issues facing UCC parents and staff if the Stadium Drive facilities are not ready in September. As a precaution, said Gallagher, "We're not enrolling new families for fall. That's a little disconcerting for families and staff." If the fall opening is delayed, families will have few options off-campus, she said. "There're not 55 spaces in child care out there right now." If anything, Gallagher said, the current situation highlights the need for a new child care building on campus, an idea proposed two years ago in a report to the chancellor. Open meetings with parents are scheduled for Monday, April 10, 3:45-5 p.m. and Tuesday, April 11, noon-1 p.m. in the Staff Resource Room of Grass Roots Down in Bowditch Lodge. |
||
|
|
