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UNL to announce child care center closing

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BY MELISSA LEE / The Associated Press

Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 - 11:42:13 pm CST

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s decades-long search for an on-campus child care center has grown a bit more desperate.

Chancellor Harvey Perlman is set to announce today that UNL’s center at the YWCA, 1432 N St., will close April 27, leaving 96 children and their families temporarily stranded.

Those families were given letters as they picked up their children Tuesday, notifying them they’ll have to start exploring other child care options — and quickly.

University Child Care

Current site: YWCA, 1432 N St.

Children served: 96

Full-time employees: Nine

Closing date: April 27

Possible new site: Former Whittier Junior High School, 22nd and Vine streets. Plans have stalled because renovation would cost $1.4 million more than originally thought.

YWCA expansion

Total size of YWCA: 30,000 square feet

Space to be freed up when UNL child care leaves: About 4,800 square feet

Children served: 37, ages 18 months to 6 years

Number to be served after expansion: 100 or more

Expansion finish: As soon as possible. To put a child on a waiting list, call 434-3494, ext. 119.

Nine full-time University Child Care employees also were told they’ll soon be out of work.

And although they express optimism a new home for child care will soon be found, UNL leaders admit there’s no solution yet.

“Absolutely, we’re disappointed,” said Christine Jackson, UNL vice chancellor for business and finance. “But we want people to know we continue to be dedicated to finding an on-site child care center.”

Jackson said she’s reasonably optimistic plans to convert part of the former Whittier Junior High School building at 22nd and Vine streets into a child-care center will come to fruition in the next few years.

Those plans stalled a year ago because UNL underestimated renovation costs by nearly $1.4 million.

Now, the university is stepping up efforts to make up the difference, Jackson said. She didn’t know whether the extra dollars would come from private donors or university coffers.

Meanwhile, UNL will go at least one academic year without a child care center, Perlman said in a campuswide e-mail to be delivered this morning.

“We have looked at every option available to us to no avail,” he wrote. “I can only give you assurance that we continue to work hard on this project and I remain hopeful that we will soon be able to address Whittier ... and have a center that will be exceptional.”

This week’s news was prompted by the YWCA’s desire to reclaim its space after 17 years of UNL occupancy and expand its own child-care facilities.

UNL, which pays about $75,000 annually in rent, had told the YWCA of its plans to move into Whittier in November 2005, Jackson said. But when renovation costs escalated, UNL asked if it could stay at the YWCA.

The YWCA said yes — temporarily. Knowing UNL had long hoped to move out and establish a child care center of its own, YWCA leaders had decided now was the time to grow, Executive Director Susan Scott said.

So the YWCA terminated UNL’s lease early; it was set to expire in September.

“Since they’re planning to move anyway, we decided to say, ‘Let’s go ahead and look at expanding,’” Scott said. “It was like, ‘Why are we waiting?’

“We needed to control our own destiny.”

YWCA child care serves 37 children. With expansion, it will serve 100 or more, many of them low-income or minority, Scott said.

Serving the entire community, particularly low-income and middle-class families, always has been the YWCA’s primary mission, she said, and the pending expansion will help further that goal.

The growth also will mean new jobs, and Scott said she’d welcome applications from University Child Care employees.

UNL also plans to help the staffers navigate their futures, Jackson said.

Still, the news is likely to be received poorly in at least some circles on campus.

Some faculty members, particularly women, have long complained about the lack of an on-campus site for their children.

Plans that never pan out give the impression a child care center isn’t a priority, some have said — even though Perlman called the stalled plans “one of the biggest disappointments” of his tenure as chancellor.

“This has been one of the issues that keeps getting put on the back burner,” said Ali Moeller, a professor of teaching, learning and teaching education and president of the Academic Senate, the faculty’s governing body.

“It’s just not getting solved. And that’s not right.”

A good child care center is a key recruiting — and retention — tool for women, Moeller said. It also makes UNL appear family-friendly.

“People don’t want just a holding tank (for their kids),” she said. “It has such an impact.”

But, she added: “We know in these economic times, it’s hard.”

Jackson said she hasn’t finalized costs, but she’s hoping for a top-notch, 17,000-square-foot center that can serve 150 children — far bigger than UNL’s current site.

She, and Perlman, vowed the issue will not die.

“The YWCA has been a phenomenal partner,” Jackson said. “Now, we continue to be optimistic.”

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.


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student with kids wrote on January 31, 2007 6:53 am:
" "Scott said. “It was like, ‘Why are we waiting?'" Well, maybe you were waiting so you could honor the terms of your lease, like a responsible organization? Maybe you were waiting to stay open through Finals Week? Are the University families being offered priority for signing up in the fall? "
JP wrote on January 31, 2007 8:33 am:
" With all of the land and buildings available to them and after 10 years they still can't find a location for this? These are the people with Masters and Doctorates, experts in their fields, the "smartest" of us all and they can't get it done? Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. UN-L has all these pie-in-the-sky projects they say is needed to attract staff and students. Now they admit this is a big step toward gaining and retaining staff and nothing is still done. Maybe some of that money should have gone to get this center done. I say hire a few of the blue collar workers who know to make a decision to get it done. "
UCC Parent wrote on January 31, 2007 8:42 am:
" It is amazing that some of the high schools in Lincoln have child care facilities, but the university does not. UNL is sending a message to women and families about the importance they place on children, child development, and the parents of UNL. Perhaps they can set up temporary child care in the skyboxes of the stadium, or maybe the funding would come quicker if UCC starts the youngest ever peewee football league. This is absolutely ridiculous. "
JamesR wrote on January 31, 2007 8:44 am:
" while I'm sure the YWCA is tired of waiting on UNL to make a decision, they've still but themselves in a position where their decision puts everyone in a terrible position. Everyone is a looser on this. Why not wait until the summer when enrollment is much lower at the daycare? On the surface this seems very capricious and unnecessary. Not that UNL is not to blame, but the YWCA made themselves into villans on this too. "
UCC alum wrote on January 31, 2007 8:44 am:
" It is shameful the way that the University and the YWCA have acted in regards to University Child Care. UCC was and is a special place for families because of the amazing staff and their dedication to children...and this is the "thanks" they receive. For the majority of the families - there was not anything "fix" with University Child Care. I'm thankful my child was able to have the UCC experience...it's very sad that won't be available any longer. "
LPS wrote on January 31, 2007 8:55 am:
" UCC mentions that some of the high schools in Lincoln have child care facilities, but the university does not. What about LPS employees, whom are in the business of taking care of kids, but don't have day care for their own children. High school kids that get pregnant are taken care of, but the staff is not. "
KP wrote on January 31, 2007 9:09 am:
" With all these positive statements about the staff at UCC sounds like a great opportunity for the staff. Start a daycare!!!!!! I'm sure all the parents would go ahead and bring their children to you just like they have been. "
UNL alum wrote on January 31, 2007 9:19 am:
" It is an embarrassment to be an alumni of an institution that places such little value on child care and its employees. This really sends a message that families and early childhood education are not a priority. This decision demonstrates to the business community that UNL does not see child care as a workforce development issue. Nebraska has one of the highest percentages of working mothers and this is how our "esteemed" learning institution reacts. "
UCC Mom wrote on January 31, 2007 9:23 am:
" Perhaps the YWCA provided the parents of UCC children with such a short notice so we would be forced to have to choose the Y for child care. I am so angry with them that it will be a last resort and with gritted teeth at that. We are going from a staff made up of child development, education, and nursing majors to a staff made up of people who, according to the YWCA's website, are "required to participate in a minimum of 18 hours of child care related in-service annually..." I already have my daughter on three waiting lists for child care in Lincoln. I will do all I can to steer clear of the YWCA. It should go without saying, I would stay home and take care of my daughter myself if we could afford it. "
brian in lincoln wrote on January 31, 2007 9:54 am:
" I work at the University and I have two children who go to daycare. Guess what? I found my own daycare provider. It is not that hard, Why do people think this should be provided? It is not that hard to find daycare people, and for those who pay for ALL of daycare costs out of pocket, there are cheaper options than the YWCA which are equally as good. "
Sarcasm wrote on January 31, 2007 10:04 am:
" Well, there is absolutely no space for rent downtown anywhere, is there? UNL can't possibly find a temporary location. "
former UCC employee, current UNL student wrote on January 31, 2007 11:00 am:
" It's a shame that the University shells out a rediculous amount of money to improve the stadium, but when it comes to child care...things just can't seem to get done. "
Admirer of UCC Staff wrote on January 31, 2007 11:25 am:
" I am very concerned that the exceptional staff at UCC will be able to be employed as child caregivers. The staff is one of the best I have seen. Their care and concern for children is outstanding. Lincoln can ill-afford to lose this phenomenal group of child care providers. "
Amazed wrote on January 31, 2007 11:26 am:
" I don't get it. Many parents with children either decide to be stay at home mom's and work at home, or get their own day care settings. Why do these special people have such a hard time dealing with this. They are educators and should have a handle on such things, or they should not be in Education. Sounds a little like the horse in behind the carriage instead of in front. Educators like these seem to be too intellegent for their own good. Or should I say, expect too much from their degree that is not part of their degree. If the University has promised them day care as part of their employement then the University must provide it. Enough said. "
A concerned by-stander wrote on January 31, 2007 11:36 am:
" I can't believe the YWCA is rushing this. All these families are going to to need to find new facilities right around finals. Like they won't be stressed enough. I see the YWCA's desire to expand, but why not hold up their original agreement? At least give these families a chance to finish out the semester. "
Zoomie wrote on January 31, 2007 11:52 am:
" I guess I wonder about how easy it is for the University to spend millions to renovate athletic facilities or build skyboxes, but can't manage a child day care center in over a decade? Makes the University's priorties crystal clear, doesn't it? And Brian - have gone through seeking daycare for two kids many years ago, yes, there are lots of day care centers out there. Did I trust or feel my kids would be safe at all of them? Not hardly! Plus weeding out the daycares with agendas (ie. over religious), plus finding one that a) I could afford, and b) offered hours of care that allowed me to work, and c) weren't miles and miles away from home or work! Factor those in, and the list shrinks real fast! As to why it should be provided? Any major employer in this day and age, with most women of child-bearing years in the workplace, SHOULD provide a childcare center for their employees (not free, just a safe place to leave your kids), else they are telling the employees they literally don't care about their families or problems (which, I would have expected a college employee to realize, means their worries and concerns likely adversely affect their work performance)! "
brian in lincoln wrote on January 31, 2007 12:34 pm:
" The U did not spend a dime on the stadium, donors did. So, to be that naive as to think that the U gives any money (state or student) to the atheletic department shows how un-imformed many are. "
Courtney P wrote on January 31, 2007 12:55 pm:
" I am concerned with both Professor Moeller's comment, "good child care center is a key recruiting — and retention — tool for women" and Regent Charles Wilson's comment that this is an issue that affects women. Heaven help you if you are a FATHER. Obviously if we are looking for a job at the University child care should not be important to us and it is our wife's convern.Child Care is obviously unimportant to you and not in your realm. I would hate to be a father going to the U who is involved with your kids because you obviously don't excist at this university and you do not care about your child's daycare. "
UCC not UNL wrote on January 31, 2007 1:18 pm:
" My child goes to UCC, but I do not work for the university nor am I a student. They are the daycare that I sought out while I was expecting. My daughter has been going there since she was six weeks old, and is now almost two years old. She LOVES her teachers and talks about them all the time at home. She is still in the same class with kids she was with when she was just a couple of months old. The people of UCC are a big part of her life. We now feel like her world is going to be turned upside-down because of poor planning and differing priorities of the university and the YWCA. Some wonderful people are losing their jobs and are being separated from children they have seen five days a week for years. I DID get my own daycare setting for my daughter. It is now being taken away along with a very large part of what has become her world. THAT is why we are having such a hard time dealing with it. "
UNL student/mother of two wrote on January 31, 2007 1:55 pm:
" I don't know what the big deal is. when I called the center to find out what the full-time rates were for my five year old, I was shocked to learn that the "discounted" rate for students was $160 a week!!! That's more than infant childcare at a lot of places, and sure they take Title XX, but for those of us who don't qualify, because we work full-time, and have a working spouse, the center is unaffordable. I'm a full-time student at the University with two children, but the "University" childcare is absolutely no benefit to me whatsoever. "
GO BIG RED!!! wrote on January 31, 2007 2:08 pm:
" Did the YWCA choose to have a child? No. Did UNL choose to have a child? No. So why this sense of entitlement from the working parents of UNL? If you choose to have a child and choose to work outside of the home, then the potential of the daycare center closing is a risk you take when placing your child. This isn't news, it's life. To the YWCA, cudos for keeping your focus on your mission of service; to the people of UNL, get over it and move on like the rest of us have to do. "
Heartbroken Employee wrote on January 31, 2007 2:31 pm:
" UCC's 9 full-time employees are not the only employees affected by the closing of UCC. UCC also employs 63 wonderful students. UCC is like a family to all who enter and I think it is sad that 96 children and 72 employees are being displaced. This is a huge loss to all of us. These children are like our own and we will love and cherish them wherever they go. This is not just a business deal, these are people's lives. "
Outraged wrote on January 31, 2007 2:48 pm:
" University Child Care is amazing place where children receive excellent child care. I do not think enough was done to keep this place up and running. Cost at UNL is not an issue when it comes to sports, so why is it an issue in quality child care? If they can spend the money to add on to the stadium, why can't they spend money to renovate a building for a new child care? It was a poor decision on the part of the YWCA to terminate the lease early, and it does point a finger at them. Was their motivation to terminate early and then "offer" to take on the children of UCC just to add children to their program? "
Retention and Recruitment ARE affected by the closing of UCC wrote on January 31, 2007 3:04 pm:
" To clear up a few things...UCC is not subsidized by the University. Parents who choose to take their children there do so as though it were any other center and pay rates that are as high or higher than many other centers...so this is not about employees and students of the university 'whining' that something is being taken from them. It is a disgrace that a major University like UNL does not recognize the impact of childcare arrangements on students/staff/faculty. The message being sent is that there are other things that deserve the time and resources, even though many individuals who work here, go to school here, or would consider doing either in the future may reconsider based on the lack of sensitivity to this issue. Please be informed before ranting about what is 'right/wrong' there are multiple sides to any issue, but an educated opinion is much more effective than an uneducated one. "
brian in lincoln wrote on January 31, 2007 3:21 pm:
" All of you who are so concerned, go and find donors, just like the atheletic department did, to fund your cause. It is amazing to me that people actually think the the U built the stadium and all that goes with it on any U money. DONATIONS PAID FOR IT ALL!!!! Lancaster county has a great service to find child care, and you search by zip code. This is how my wife and I found our day care provide almost 5 years ago. As a father of 2 children I never expected the U to provide me for a place to drop my children off at. That is a parents responsibility. There are many employers in Lincoln who also do not do this...so the U is not alone. "
Donor wrote on January 31, 2007 3:50 pm:
" Why should my tax dollars pay for something that I have to pay for out of my own pocket? I pay for my own daycare and it is not subsidized in any fashion, trust me. Now, it would be great if it was, but it isn't. Now, for those who seem not to get it, the athletic department is self-funded. It does not receive tax monies. It is self-sufficient. "
Matt Poulsen wrote on January 31, 2007 5:02 pm:
" UNL offering child care is NO different than a fortune 500 company offering childcare at its office! Your taxes go to a lot of things, one of which are salaries and benefits for university employees!! Plus, as already mentioned, the university isn't subsidizing the child care anway! How this affects your taxes is beyond me!! And for those claiming, "my employer doesn't provide daycare...". What's your point?? There are plenty of employers that do and the fact that yours doesn't is your choice. The point is UNL has always offered the service and now its disappearing...that's why its news!! "
Susan Scott, Executive Director, YWCA Lincoln wrote on January 31, 2007 5:25 pm:
" Susan Scott, Executive Director YWCA Lincoln Although the YWCA Lincoln did plan to expand its nationally accredited child development center after Memorial Day, May 28th,UCC's April 27th closing date, was a decision by UNL’s administration. "
Gerard Harbison wrote on January 31, 2007 5:31 pm:
" As a UNL faculty member, I am on the side of people who wonder why we were providing child care in the first place. It's not part of the university's mission, and if there's a real need for it, the private sector will fill that need. "
UNL student wrote on January 31, 2007 5:47 pm:
" In reading many of these comments people seem to have focused more on the employees of the University than the students. Many students also have their children enrolled at UCC, and childcare, especially on-campus childcare, is extremely important to those of us with children who are completing our education. As far as tax dollars are concerned, I have yet to see anyone complain about their tax dollars paying for child care at 3 of Lincoln's highschools. Furthermore, I think it is asinine that half of Lincoln's highschools can manage daycare while UNL cannot. "
Nate wrote on January 31, 2007 7:01 pm:
" Disgusting! If I was in Scott's position, I'd feel pretty bad about myself! Just knowing that I was responsible for making people lose their jobs and parents not having childcare for their children. There are some very nice employees that work for UCC (I know some of them) and this entire situation is pretty darn messed up! "
Nate wrote on January 31, 2007 7:03 pm:
" They outta use some of that money they have rolling into the Athletic & Football program for UCC. The Athletic program has endless money, they should use some of that for the childcare! "
Former UCC Parent with 3 UCC alumns wrote on January 31, 2007 7:37 pm:
" We received terrific care at UCC and my children thrived. These people were family to us. Early on, my children attended another daycare - rates were the same but care was much lower quality. Before you scream taxes, I had to pay out of my pocket too, same as you do, and at the same rate - NO DISCOUNT. My heart goes out to the staff - they deserve better! "
greed persists wrote on January 31, 2007 8:12 pm:
" the y is just seeking to grow their empire on the backs of the children................shame on you "
Perplexed wrote on January 31, 2007 9:04 pm:
" Botton line, the UCC does not only serve University employees and stundents but also parents that work outside of the University. When we talk about the University and there ability to provide a child care I think that we are forgeting that this does not only affect people involved in the University. Also, all of these parents had to seek out child care the old fashion way like every one else. This is unfortunate and could happen to anyone as many other parents have found out with the closing if the two Cedars centers. This is not a matter of the University providing care it is about the children and their recent displacement. I think that it is important to remember the children and what is in their best interest. "
UNL Student wrote on January 31, 2007 9:34 pm:
" I am saddened at the UCC closing. These children are losing so much stability in their life. It is so sad that these children are losing all these wonderful caregivers. I hope the parents will not send thier children to the YWCA because the quality of child care there is hardly that great. UNL should be doing more to provide for their students and the children. UNL has so much money, they could certainly find somewhere to house UCC if they wanted to. Simply put UNL does not care about it's employees, students, or the children of those people! "
JEN wrote on January 31, 2007 9:59 pm:
" I worked at UCC for over a year and my son also attended. It is an amazing center and I cannot thank Tish (the director) for her help and support. I remain friends with many staff, as well as other parents. Everyone here keeps talking about the athletic department-anyone realize that UCC provided care for the athletes children as well? UNL definately dropped the ball on this one and unfortunately the children and families of the center are paying the price. As far as the YWCA daycare expanding, as a Early CHildhood Education major I could not in good faith reccomend that facility to anyone. Please remember that students and faculty do not get any special treatment money wise. It come out of our pockets too. What also saddens me is that a faculty member for our university posted on this board saying there was no need for this facility. Sir, tell that to your students who have children while trying to earn a degree. Perhaps you'll open up your classroom and allow students to bring their children along when they can't find care? "
UCC STILL ROCKS wrote on January 31, 2007 10:54 pm:
" I love working at UCC and I have many friends that I have met at the daycare and will keep long after I leave. I am still working at the daycare and have worked up from the bottom to become a head teacher. I think that the one thing everyone is over looking is the children. We have almost 100 children losing the stability that has keep their lives together, be it for a month or 5 years. They are losing friendships with each other and they are losing adults that they have come to trust and rely on. I want everyone to realize that as full time staff we are worried about our futures but more then anything we are all worried about the futures of the children in our rooms. We care about them more then anyone could know and it breaks our hearts to have to split them up and say good-bye. We want only best for all the families of UCC. "
Nate wrote on January 31, 2007 11:01 pm:
" (TO JEN) YES!! Tish & Barbara are very nice. My Dad worked as a janitor there for over 2 years. Everybody there is so friendly, it will be very tough to see it go. :-( "
vanessa wrote on January 31, 2007 11:22 pm:
" It's so easy to say that you don't want your TAXES to pay for this or for that..but how much choice do you really have as to where that money goes? Stop whining and do something about it at the next election. UCC closing is a terrible thing for those people who were taking their children there. It isn't easy finding someone you trust to take care of your babies, and if you read the news you know why! "
Another UNL Employee wrote on January 31, 2007 11:37 pm:
" Just another example of UNL not giving a darn about their employees. And if Harvey is so disappointed about this then why does he not take care of it? We can get Tommy Lee to come to college but we can not find a place for child care? "
tm wrote on February 1, 2007 6:12 am:
" Gee, and here I thought UNL WAS a childcare center! "
YWCA defender wrote on February 1, 2007 8:58 am:
" Where do you get off slamming the YWCA's childcare center? My child has gone there almost 2 years and it is a wonderful center. And by the way, it is an accredited center, meaning all lead teachers must have degrees in early childhood or elementary ed. UCC is not accredited. It is also much more affordable than UCC. I understand people's hard feelings over the closing, but don't mislead people into thinking YWCA is not a good daycare. That is disgraceful. "
Correction wrote on February 1, 2007 9:37 am:
" UCC is going through accreditation and all of their full time teachers have degrees, and three of them are working on their masters. As for the Y you may want to double check if your information is correct. "
UCC Parent wrote on February 1, 2007 9:43 am:
" I noticed that the YWCA's rates on their website are lower than the rates that they are telling us UCC parents in their oh so generous offers to take on our kids. I did a walk-through of the Y's facilities already, and I wasn't impressed at all. I have seen unattended children on the playground and disinterested staff at other times. Forget it. I'll drive across town for something better. "
UCC Dad wrote on February 1, 2007 9:52 am:
" There are a lot of misperceptions in the comments below. The UCC serviced UNL faculty, staff, and students, as well as the Lincoln community at large. It has been largely self-sufficient, funded by the tuitions the parents paid not by taxes. It provided great childcare in an educational setting. I have had two kids go through UCC and it provided great preparation for school, and I currently have a third kid in the UCC whom I wish could go there for all his childcare years. We did a lot of research into daycares in Lincoln before choosing the UCC for our first child. For parents like me this is not about the university providing daycare or not, it is about the loss of a great daycare resource in the city. However I do not believe the YWCA should be held responsible for the closing. The university was making plans to move the daycare to the Whittier building so the YWCA naturally started looking at what it would do with the space. The university's plans to move it to Whittier then fell through, at least temporarily, but that did not mean that the YWCA could cancel plans it had put into place. At least this is my impression of the situation. "
Student Staff wrote on February 1, 2007 10:06 am:
" Unless you are a associated with UCC in some way (current staff/parent, former staff/parent, or one the the children) you really have no idea how we feel about this whole situation. I have worked at UCC for three years now, and it breaks my heart to know that all of these amazing children have to leave the place that has been a huge part of their lives. I am not concerned about having to find another job, that is the least of my worries. I just want to know what all of these children will find GREAT centers to go to and will receive the same high quality care at their new centers that they have received at UCC. I want to know that they will bond with their new teachers they way they have bonded with all of us. It breaks my heart to know that, after April 27th, I may never again see the kids who have brought a smile to my face every day for the past three years. "
brian in lincoln wrote on February 1, 2007 10:53 am:
" I wonder how many UCC participants are Title XX ? Many day care providers don't take Title XX, so that could be where a lot of the anguish is coming from. For those of you who don't know, Title XX is the TAXPAYERS paying for the childcare of a parent. "
UCC Dad wrote on February 1, 2007 11:46 am:
" I imagine most students who use UCC would qualify for TitleXX. I don't know how many that would be though. The amount covered by TitleXX and the amount the eligible parent is responsible for is based on a sliding scale depending on household income. "
Student Staff Majoring in Child Development wrote on February 1, 2007 12:13 pm:
" So what if the YWCA is accredited. What does accredited really mean? It means you have met at all these standards set by the NAEYC, but it does NOT equal quality! UCC may not be accredited currently but they were working on it. No matter the fact, UCC has always provided quality child care. Everyone there worked for the children not just because it was a job. Yes, the YWCA is accredited but I have never in the last 3 years I have worked at UCC seen that same quality that our center provided for our children. Knowing that our center is closing and the YWCA is taking over our place I am concerned as a Child Development major that quality centers are disappearing as the focus has been placed on accreditation and money. Everyone at UCC has impacted my future in providing care to children. I will miss you all!!! "
wow... wrote on February 1, 2007 12:29 pm:
" Please just grow up stop slamming the YWCA... Talk about UNL, there are other places to set up a center, dont take it out on the YWCA it is their building UCC was renting from them if they need to expand it's their right, UCC should have a better plan set in place. Dont knock YWCA or try to dicredit them thats childish. "
JUST A THOUGHT wrote on February 1, 2007 12:35 pm:
" Maybe some of the big wigs at the University could give up a little of their pay to make it possible to open the daycare someplace else. Nope - all their money goes to the football facilities and team. "
I'll be back wrote on February 1, 2007 12:51 pm:
" If people want UCC it will come back somewhere else bigger and better. YWCA does a good job too and I'm sure they will be happy to help during the transition. Change is not always bad. "
Concerned for my children wrote on February 1, 2007 1:49 pm:
" If you are not associated with UCC, you really don't get the breadth of this. You can and will have an opinion, but don't force it on me with your sarcastic overtones. The truth here is that our children are going to go through a major change to their day. Everything that is familiar to them will be different, not better or worse, just different. UCC is also a teaching center where many of the AWESOME, and they are awesome, teachers are gaining very valuable experience. They love our children and that makes it very easy to drop them off everyday. I know that while my wife and I are at work, our children are being loved and cared for in a manner in which we approve. Please stop with all the sarcastic remarks because it isn't making any of this easier. My children are being affected by this and that is my main concern. You can talk about all the other things you want, but DO NOT think that this is just some "tax" or "money" issue, kids are the ones hurt by this, not UNL's money coffers, etc. Find a different story to trash and leave us alone. We are the ones that are going to have to explain to our children that they won't see their friends and teachers anymore. They can certainly make new friends and have new teachers, but most adults couldn't handle this type of situation. Most adults hate change, read the studies, children don't necessarily hate it, they just don't understand it. "
Worried wrote on February 1, 2007 4:24 pm:
" The children love UCC and all it has to offer. I know from watching them as they leave every night with smiles on there faces or as they are showing off thier art to their parents. I was hurt and upset by the writer that seemed to imply that because UCC was not accredited the teacher did not have degrees. That is a lie and anyone who goes into the center would know that. I will never allow my child or any child I care about to go to the YWCA. I have seen the girls there spend more time trying to impress the other guy on the play ground then watching the children that are outside. One more thing if I wanted to my child to hear nothing but yelling all day I would just take him to a horse race. I have yet to hear the Y staff say something nice or encourageing to the children, I have spent many hours at UCC over the past few years. "
JEN wrote on February 1, 2007 6:07 pm:
" As a professional, I would never purposely try to discredit the YWCA's child care. However, I would not recommend it because there have been times when they have forgotten children on the playground, staff have yelled at the children, I've seen an inappropriate staff:child ratio on the playground, and also have seen very sloppy staff members. Some that I've seen have dressed inappropriately and appeared to have bad hygeine habbits. If you think it's a great place for your child, by all means take them there. However, as a Early Childhood Professional (Bachelor's Degree in Child Development/Early Childhood Education) as well as a parent, I could not in good faith reccomend their center. "
Ben wrote on February 1, 2007 8:06 pm:
" Here is an idea - stay home with your kids while they need you. Mom or Dad - it does not matter. They need you to take care of them, not the YMCA, not anybody else but YOU. It just seems like common sence that the most important person to raise a child would be their parent. "
Former UCC Staff wrote on February 2, 2007 9:14 am:
" I am very disheartened by this entire situation. I worked at The University Child Care for the entire four years of my college days. I made friends with the staff and fell in love with all of the children that I cared for. I watched them grow from 6 week olds to running and talking toddlers. I got to know their parents and the rest of the family. I continue to go back to rest at least once every couple of weeks. So the YWCA should know that what they are doing is disgusting. They are seperating a family, because that is what the UCC is. The staff, parents, and children are a large family that are working together to raise these amazing children. Children that are diverse in their beliefs, their backgrounds, and their personalities. The YWCA might be a child care facility that is accredited and they might even consider themselves a family, but from the things that I have seen from them they are a very disfuntional family full of yelling, forgetting about the needs of the children, and inappropriate behavior. I can not in good faith let people take their children there. I know some parents from UCC will not have a choice about taking their chidlren to the YWCA due to finanical reasons or lack of other child care. But I hope that they use it temporarily and get out of there as soon as possible! I love the UCC and will miss it and my family! I hope the University can do something to save it, but I know that it will never be the same due to the recent events!! "
KK wrote on February 2, 2007 12:12 pm:
" I blame the early lease on UCC alone. They knew that it was going to be terminated long before this decision was even made. I think that UCC is a poorly run daycare. Staff yell at the children and do not watch the children on the playground. I would never in a million years put my children in a daycare that house 15 babys in a space that I would not even call a closet like UCC does. Also having 1 year old babies sit on normal chairs and not expect them to fall? That's insane! I'm glad that it is being shut down, maybe when the new daycare opens, UCC can find better staff and management. "
UCC Dad wrote on February 2, 2007 2:38 pm:
" I have been affiliated with UCC for over 12 years through three kids and it's obvious to me that KK has no knowledge of the facility or the people running it. Please troll elsewhere. "
Confused wrote on February 2, 2007 5:01 pm:
" Have you ever even been to UCC? They do not house 15 babies in a room the size of a closet, but if a house has closets that big, please let me know. I would love to even have a bedroom that size! Also, there have not been any problems with the children sitting in normal chairs, or it would not be happening anymore. The UCC would not do anything to put the children in danger of getting hurt. "
missing the kids already wrote on February 2, 2007 6:33 pm:
" I think that the main problem that the "UCC Family" has with the YWCA is the way that the termination came up. I am under the impression that UCC director first heard about our lease being terminated from a parent of a YWCA child. She was completely taken aback, having heard nothing from YWCA officials, and had to contact them herself. Then, the YWCA director finally told UCC that it was true, they were planning to terminate our lease in late summer of 2007. Soon thereafter, UCC learns that they need to be out of the building by June 1st (?). The point being: it appears to UCC people that the Y wanted to give UCC as little time possible to prepare for a lease termination. This way the Y could (hopefully) 'force' most of the staff and families to go to them, as they would have little time to find other options. Good luck to all children of UCC - i care about all of you will miss you much. "
UCC is the way to be wrote on February 2, 2007 10:38 pm:
" I would like to address KK's comment that the infant room is 15 babies in a closet. First of all the infant room is actually two rooms, each measure about 20ft X 20 ft and the next thing I think you need to realize is that the YWCA is taking over the UCC space so if you wouldn't want you child in that infant room then you better pull your child because that is where he/she will be come May. I would also like to say, to both KK and Worried, both of you have heard yelling from UCC and the Y but outside yelling is done to because it is a large area and can very extremly loud. So until you hear mean or unrespectful remarks, I would take yelling to be a good thing it mean that the children are being watched and yelling is a silly thing to base judgement on. EVERYONE needs to get over themselves and think about the children and the families being hurt by all of these changes. I may not agree with some of the things done but bashing each other on posts is a stupid, childish thing for adults to be participating in. "
UCC all the way!! wrote on February 3, 2007 1:48 am:
" I just want to say that I have never worked with a better staff than that of UCC"s. I feel that I have a family with the entire staff, and the children and families. I am so happy to have made such great connections and am incredibly crushed to have to say goodbye to them all. I'm not sure that all that have made negative comments toward UCC have even been there before. Please do not make judgements on something that you don't know. Go to the place, and if you are dissatisified, then complain-but until then, you have NO right to say anything at all. Not that there is anything to complain about. It is a great place, one that I would have greatly considered to be my daycare when my husband and I start our family. We are all losing a great and valuable place! "
YWCA Parent wrote on February 5, 2007 1:15 pm:
" This is a hurtful situation to all. Unfortunately, many times in business, hurtful decisions have to be made. No matter where the money is coming from, no matter who it benefits, the bottom line is and always will be, "Business is Business." Other daycares have closed (another big one just across the street is closing this year due to "business" issues) and it is hurtful to THOSE parents as well. I would not want to be in either one of their (the YWCAs or UCCs) shoes. The UCC is amazing and have made incredible relationships with families. The YWCA Child Dev. Ctr. is amazing and have made incredible relationships with families. Go and visit the YW. See for yourself. And if you don't like what you see, hear and the general "feeling" of the YWCA, don't take your child there. There are other places out there that ARE available for your child--I'm willing to bet that you could even get recommendations!. But please don't make a decision about some place based on heresay or some blog comment from someone who is hurt. Tish Roland (UCC) is an incredible, experienced, loving woman who deserves credit for everything she has done to improve the UCC as a whole. Jenni Auman (YWCA) is pretty darn awesome too-- go talk to her and find out for yourself. PS: Accreditation IS the leading indicator of quality in how a program is run-- the YWCA CDC is in the top 5% of the NATION'S childcare facilities. UCC was well on their way to earning this honor as well. Quality is also indicated in the relationships and communications between staff members and the families. YWCA has done an excellent job of this. Go see them. It's worth your time. "
YWCA Childcare staff wrote on February 5, 2007 9:19 pm:
" First let me send my condolences to those of you who are losing their jobs or their quality child care. I have worked at the YWCA child development center for 3 years and I can honestly say that the people who find it necessary to bash on the YW's childcare are completely misinformed. The YWCA' s childcare providers care for and love each and every child that has passed through our care. In concern to being disinterested in the children and not providing adequate care, your accusations are completely off the wall. Our number one priority is the children and all our employees care deeply for the children and treat them with respect. If you wanted me to I could list off a few concerns that I have seen with the UCC, but I am a little more professional than that. The number one thing that everyone should be thinking about is the children and finding quality care for them. You can discredit the quality of staff all you want. Our main priority is the children and the activities that we plan for them. We want children to have fun and learn age appropriate skills, and I know that we do this each and every day for the children. Don't take what some of these people are saying seriously, if you want to know the truth come and visit the center. The main reason I wrote this is because the negative comments are completely unreliable and they do a grave injustice to the YWCA child development center. "
Current UCC Parent wrote on February 7, 2007 9:41 am:
" My son is currently enrolled at UCC and has been since he was 6 weeks old. For those of you that suggest one of the parents should just stay home; I would love nothing more than to be able to do that. Unfortunately, that is not an option for myself or my husband. We want to give our son the best life possible and that means providing him with a roof over his head, clothes on his back, food in his tummy, and showing him all that life has to offer. In addition, I believe EVERY child deserves the BEST care available to them to learn, experience, and grow into a responsible and educated adult. More often than not I have personally witnessed the quality of care from both YWCA providers and UCC providers. I'm not going to bash anyone or say that one is better than the other because it is different for every parent. For myself, I'll just say that I would, without a doubt or hesitation, stick with UCC if I had that choice. My husband and I are currently looking for an alternative facility for our son. We don't somewhere where we can just "drop him off". A childcare center is much much more than that and if you are a parent you know what I mean. It is very hard to find a place that offers the support, loving and caring atmosphere, and RESPECT that EVERY child deserves. Our son will stay at UCC until the last day because he is a part of the UCC family and the UCC staff and students will remain in our hearts forever. We will never forget all they have done for us and our son because our son would not be the "little person" he is today had it not been for UCC. Again, thank you UCC staff and students. WE WILL MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU!!!!!!!! "

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