The University Of Utah: Child Care At The U

Press release from The University of Utah:

Shawn Wood

October 8, 2021

Are the U’s child care facilities closing?

Lower: Only one facility that was owned and operated by the Department of Family & Consumer Studies is closing at this time. The Center for Child Care and Family Resources (CCCFR) was approached to absorb and incorporate this location into its existing roster and plans were proceeding to make a smooth transition. Plans remain in place to reopen this location in the future.

Lower:

The transition came to a halt when it was learned recently that several of the staff under the previous management, would not be continuing their employment with the U. This unexpected development forced a reduction in the number of children that could be safely and expertly cared for by the remaining staff.

Why did the CFDC location close?

Basford: The DFCS leadership decided to close the location after a thorough review of the finances determined that the Child and Family Development Center was no longer profitable and therefore no longer sustainable to operate. At the time of this decision, roughly 30 families were being served by this location. Those impacted families received priority placement on the CCCFR waiting list.

Basford:

The six UKids child care programs operated by the CCCFR are financially healthy and remain in high demand with students and employees. Every effort is being made to accommodate the remaining children on the waitlist.

What problems have arisen during this time of transition?

Lower: Employing qualified child care providers is the top issue we are facing at this time. This workforce shortage in child care has become a crisis not only throughout Salt Lake City but also nationwide. This problem was exacerbated last week when we learned that some of the CFDC staff would not be continuing their employment at the U.

Lower:

Prior to these departures, the CCCFR had nine full-time and 25 part-time vacancies it was looking to employ. This has been a difficult prospect despite the CCCFR paying child care workers above the national average which includes the U’s benefit package with also exceeds the local market offerings.

If the U can fill these position vacancies, what does that mean for child care on campus?

Basford: As additional employees are hired, the university plans to increase the number of children we care for. There are industry standards we must meet for the number of children in each classroom and the number of care providers that must be on-hand to provide adequate care for every child.

Basford:

The help with retention and recruiting efforts U administration has approved a pay increase to each teacher and assistant of $1.00/hour effective October 1, 2021. Each staff member has been informed of this increase. All teachers and assistants will also receive a pay bonus at the end of December 2021.

Those qualified individuals interested in applying for an open position are invited to apply here.

How are the remaining staff members at CCCFR holding up?

Lower: We are very thankful to the hard working staff for their true grit and unwavering care. The heroic staff have kept the doors open and will continue to provide high quality preschool and child care programing now and in the future. We truly have an amazing team!

Lower:

We also want to thank the parents and families at our UKids programs. The encouraging words and expressions of thanks help bolster the staff who are working tirelessly to provide loving support to the children in their care.

Since appearing in the news has the U been able hire any currently vacant positions?

Basford: Yes! We hired several part-time teachers in the past few days and applications continue to come in. However, we are still in need of full-time teachers.

Basford:

A full list of FAQs from Family and Consumer Studies can be found here. A second FAQ about U Kids Presidents Circle can be found here.

This press release was produced by The University of Utah. The views expressed here are the author’s own.