The Children’s Center site on 10th Street will be closed, and the total number of children served will drop from 122 to 88. Officials say the reduction was prompted by the dual challenge of new staffing requirements and budget struggles.
Steve St. Onge, HSU’s Director of Housing & Residence Life, notified parents and others about the decision with a letter earlier today.
“Our staff have done a great job under the circumstances,” St. Onge wrote. “With a keen focus on helping children learn, we have been able to stretch our dollars and resources to provide an excellent learning environment for our children. That focus and commitment will not change.”
Despite their efforts, he wrote, the financial model was not working. The Center could not afford the higher ratio of fully credentialed teachers, and in fact was having a hard time finding qualified applicants for open positions.
The last day of operation for the 10th Street site will be May 12. St. Onge said that Children’s Center staff will work individually with families to try to place them at the other site on 14th Street. If that isn’t possible, they will help with off campus referrals.
The Children’s Center serves children of HSU students, faculty and staff, and community members. Student families are given priority.