Parents of currently enrolled children were informed about the impending change on Oct 17, 2013 (or 4 working days before the council vote). Parents’ input was not solicited throughout the selection process, even though the proposed change in management will most certainly mean:
1) loss of quality childcare covering 0-2 years -- Community Gatepath plans to cover years 2-5),
2) loss of the only NAEYC accredited child care program in the area -- Community Gatepath’s only daycare center in Belmont is not accredited,
3) a blended 20% special needs and 80% healthy developing classroom approach,
3) letting go of current teachers because most lack special needs teaching credentials.
The current change in proposal and its timeline will have deleterious effects on the well-being of the currently enrolled children. As a start, infant and toddler care is not guaranteed. Given long wait lists in area day care centers that are NAEYC accredited, currently enrolled children most certainly not be able to find a new spot. Given these circumstances, we urge the management of CCLC and the City of Mountain View to return to the negotiating table and work out their differences for the sake of the children and try to find a compromise to ensure that high quality care remains consistently available.
