The Child Development Center hangs in the balance
Future uncertain for Skyline's on site Preschool.
Marc Arguello
Date created: 11/4/09 Section: NEWS
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Skyline College has been forced to make several cuts and other sacrifices due to a state-wide budget problem. Measures have already been taken in the form of voluntary retirements, which would save the district money on salaries, but this may not be enough.
"It's probably strictly financial," said Kate Williams-Browne with regards to why the center was being targeted. Browne is the coordinator for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program which runs the CDC.
According to Browne, the CDC "gets its revenue from tuition and the state's reimbursements."
Browne said the problem is that educating young children simply costs more than what the state is willing to pay.
The CDC serves a necessary service to Skyline College as it acts as an onsite laboratory for childhood education students and allows them to receive course-required interaction with children in a local, easily accessible place. For these same reasons, the program is also an invaluable asset for any Skyline students or staff members with young children.
The PIV process is developing a list of programs that will either be continued, modified or improved, placed under hiatus, or simply removed altogether.
Christine Roumbanis of Skyline's business division described the PIV process as a way to identify programs in case deeper cuts are needed.
"Recommendations from the PIV committee will be made by the end of November to the college budget, curriculum committee, academic senate, and the VPI (Vice President of Instruction Regina Stroud)," Roumbanis said.
"We understand cuts have to happen," said Judy Heldburg, director of the CDC. Heldburg knows about the current situation the district faces but hopes that the CDC will not get cut.
As of Oct. 28, 50 children are enrolled at the CDC.
"Fifty percent of those enrolled here are from single parents, most of whom are mothers," said Heldburg. Without the CDC, she says that many parents would have nowhere else to turn.
According to Heldburg, any parents with children enrolled at the CDC are low income students and the CDC not only provides them with affordable childcare, it allows them to continue their college careers and advance their lives. "Care in the real world costs
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 25
Andrew Lidwell
posted 11/06/09 @ 1:51 PM PST
This is a test of the comment filtration system.
Skyline student & CDC Parent
posted 11/10/09 @ 6:02 AM PST
The Child Center's parents and teachers have attended both formal and informal meetings pertaining to this potential budget cut agree that the college staff seem very focused on justifying the Center's removal versus promoting viable ways to SAVE it. (Continued…)
Cinthia
posted 11/11/09 @ 10:53 AM PST
The child care center is a CORE resource for parents to attend school.Not to mention it is proven that children with early exposure to education will pursue higher levels of education themselves. (Continued…)
Michelle
posted 11/11/09 @ 12:15 PM PST
I am disappointed that there is even talk of closing the CDC.
1. As a parent it has allowed me to return to school years before I would otherwise have been able. (Continued…)
Skyline College Employee
posted 11/11/09 @ 12:32 PM PST
When you hear something like the fate of the Child Care Center is already doomed before any real input from the students or faculty effected one must question the "voice" of the community and the integrity of the those who chair the committees that are set up to be student centered and open to all views and ideas. (Continued…)
Emyn Dweik
posted 11/11/09 @ 5:42 PM PST
As a full time student I am sad that Skyline is thinking of shutting down the CDC. I was on the waiting list for a year at the CDC until I finally got accepted. (Continued…)
Katy Fleschner
posted 11/11/09 @ 6:01 PM PST
I have had to stay at home with my son since his birth because the work that I did previously did not even pay enough for child care, let alone the rest of the bills as well. (Continued…)
Maurice Goodman
posted 11/12/09 @ 1:27 PM PST
There are numerous solutions that would decrease the deficit, many of which have yet to even be explored in an effort to save a "Student Service" that is currently comprised of nearly 93% or more of students that are from under-served, low socio-economic communities. (Continued…)
Ahmed
posted 11/12/09 @ 11:37 PM PST
Keep the center open! There is no way you can put a dollar value to the priceless impact the center has on the lives of those who are able to benefit from the services. (Continued…)
Melody
posted 11/13/09 @ 8:56 AM PST
My son and I have been apart of Skyline's CDC family since he was 18 months, he is now 4 years old. The teachers and staff are great and have helped us tremendously. (Continued…)
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