University's commitment to offering quality childcare services stronger than ever
University offers clarification of plans for Child and Family Research Center and Early Head Start
The University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno and its College of Education remain committed to the future of the Child and Family Research Center (CFRC) and the Early Head Start program.
While recent information has suggested otherwise, we would like to clarify the University's plans for these two vital community programs.
Child and Family Research Center
The University consistently receives requests to expand the capacity of our childcare services. While the University's population continues to grow, our capacity has not increased in two decades.
As a very tangible sign of our commitment to the CFRC, the College of Education provided much needed space and a playground in the William J. Raggio Building for about 35 four- to six-year-olds.
Still not enough, the University studied several alternatives, concluding the most viable option is a private partnership that will preserve the CFRC and the excellent childcare it provides.
To begin the conversation with prospective private partners, the University issued an RFQ-a Request for Qualifications.
This RFQ process opens the door to exploring various cost-effective options for expanding childcare services for our growing community on or near campus.
To ensure a rigorous and transparent process, the CFRC's executive director and the associate dean in the College of Education were integrally involved in the development of the RFQ.
The University is fully committed to preserving, and hopefully expanding, the childcare services we provide.
Our commitment to the Washoe County School District, and the programs serviced by the CFRC and Early Head Start programs also remain a priority, as stated explicitly in the RFQ.
Early Head Start program
The University will be relocating the Early Head Start program due to the University's sale of the Nelson Building, the current home of the program.
Once the sale is complete-by the end of May-the University has 120 days to vacate the building.
Closer to that time, we will announce the Early Head Start program's new home.
While it is too soon to say exactly what future University childcare services will look like, we are not going to give up on expanding child care and hope to offer a solution soon that meets the needs of our growing community.
