The Early Education and Child Care Center underwent large staff changes in November. The day care center management also switched departments from the Division of Student Affairs to the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. The changes prompted some parents to worry about the consistency in the staff who cared for their children.

Parents began calling for more involvement and information from the day care center, as they were upset these changes occurred without parents’ input or knowledge. A lengthy discussion ensued at February’s University Senate meeting. Officials at the day care center have started to involve parents more, but there is always more the center can do to appease parents’ worry.

The parent newsletter and monthly meeting are a good first step for the center. Employees should also be sending out emails to parents if news or changes happen between newsletters. For example, if there is a staff change that occurs between newsletters, an email can be sent out to parents with that information.

Day care administration should also consider holding more meetings each month to accommodate more parents. There are 60 children in the center now, and between 12 and 15 parents come to each monthly meeting. To try and increase that number, officials should hold meetings on different dates and times to fit with different schedules.

Officials must remember the bottom line of the center is to care for and educate the children.

High rates of staff turnover in a short period of time can be disconcerting for children. Center officials must continue concentrating on putting children’s needs first.