USI's Children Learning Center to close due to lack of funding, health concerns
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – With a shortfall in university funding and concerns revolving around the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Southern Indiana's Children's Learning Center (CLC) will not be reopening.
During a news conference Monday, university officials announced the closing of the CLC, which has primarily served children, ages 2-5, of USI faculty and staff.
After the center closed on March 18 due to the novel coronavirus, along with the remaining USI campus, the recruitment and acceptance of children stopped, causing a significant hit to the center's 2020-2021 budget.
This financial shortfall worsened the cumulative impact of annual operating deficits for the CLC over a number of years, which have been subsidized by University funds.
"We can no longer place a bandaid on this facility.
"It's served us well, but there are still major needs, and we know that," USI President Ronald Rochon said. " So, we just decided this was the time for us to close the center until we are able to secure funding down the road."
The costly improvements to the temporary building that houses the center was also a factor in the CLC's closing.
Zane Mitchell, who helps oversee the CLC program and works as the dean of USI's Pott College of Science, said the plan to move the center to the interior of the campus and construct a new building would cost upward of $10 million.
“When we think about the needs of our faculty, staff and students, investing upwards of $10 million dollars in a new building is not feasible at this time," he said. "We hope to bring child care back to campus at some time in the future when funding permits.”
A timeline for the CLC's redevelopment is uncertain, Rochon said, as the financial barriers and health concerns have derailed future plans. However, the university is committed to giving parents and CLC workers options for child care and employment.
Jill Raisor, chair of Teacher Education, said the university is engaging with 4C of Southern Indiana, Inc., the regional Child Care Resource and Referral agency for Southern Indiana, to consider options for care for the children served by the CLC and possible employment opportunities for staff.
USI met with the seven impacted CLC employees Monday, with the school planning to help with their transition. With information and assistance from 4C of Southern Indiana, CLC employees may consider applying for available, local child-care positions.
The University also notified parents of the children impacted by the closing to discuss local options for future care. 4C of Southern Indiana indicated child care openings are available, and they are offering individual consultative appointments to help families find the right fit for their children.