On December 6th, 2012, Children’s Choice Learning Center (CCLC) informed parents that Social security Admnistration (SSA) is relocating and will close the Metrowest location. This presents as a major concern for employees of the Social Security Administration (SSA), The University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB), and other community employees who utilize the center for childcare during their work day; as well as a major concern for current center staff and administration; and for supporters of early childcare education. We urge Social Security Administration (SSA) and The University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) to join efforts to keep this facility open.
We believe that it is in the best interests for all parties – employers, employees, and community members - for the center to remain open for as long as possible.
- Both SSA and UMB have employees with children currently at this center, and would be significantly impacted if it closes.
- Currently UMB cannot meet the daycare needs for its on-campus employees. Their one facility (DBCC) typically operates at full capacity and with a waiting list. This would function as a valuable resource for the UMB faculty, staff, and students, as well as other community employers.
- Other daycare options in the community do not sufficiently satisfy the demands for childcare in the vicinity. There is only one other childcare center (Childtime), which already typically operates at full capacity and with a waiting list.
- Studies show that reliable child care positively impacts employees in the work place, including: improved productivity (63%), reduced absenteeism (29%), attracting staff and employee retention (cited in Shellenback, K., (2004) Child Care and Parent Productivity: Making the Business Case)
The current Metrowest center, as a newly renovated accredited center, which can accommodate approximately 100 children, with an excellent trained staff of teachers and administrative professionals, appropriate materials, and fully functional kitchen, represents the ideal center to meet these needs.
We the undersigned, petition to keep the Metrowest center as an open and fully operational and affordable child care facility. We ask that SSA fulfill their contract with CCLC in full until the original June 2014 end date. We ask that the UMB then take over and maintain the child care facility as an affordable child care center to be utilized by those affiliated with the university, as well as in the community. Finally, to facilitate a smooth transition for all involved, we ask for SSA/GSA to coordinate with UMB regarding the space, furniture, equipment and materials, and people involved.