2008 Woodie Awards
Toddler Preschool Nears Completion
David Quinley
Issue date: 9/13/01 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The Indian Valley Campuses toddler pre-school for College of Marin, for children up to age 2 years and 6 months, is finally being delivered, according to Kathleen Cochrane, College of Marin director of childcare services. Though the labor has been long and difficult, "we are in the final round of completing the plans and bids for yard safety items.” Final construction should be completed by mid-October and the center should open this semester, she said.
“We received two $16,000 grants as well as $12,000 from Marin Education Fund to help pay for the final construction costs,” said Cochrane. Tasks include raising the entry walkway to meet federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications.
“The toddler program will begin as soon as the safety projects are completed,” Cochrane said. Projects include changing the current iron gate to a wooden gate, similar to the wooden fence that surrounds the center. Toddlers would be able stick their heads between the iron rods of the gate, which was installed without the college’s approval, Cochrane said.
A smaller 3-foot-high wooden fence will be put around the supporting beams of the protective over-hang, to keep children from wandering off when the main gate is open.
Demand is high for the toddler preschool already. “We do have 15 families on our waiting list, and only have 15 openings at a time,” Cochrane explained. In accordance with state regulations, students with financial need and those enrolled in CalWORKS get first priority.
Other students get second priority, followed by COM faculty and staff. Two or three spaces go to those who pay the full fee for enrollment. Non-student members of the community are allowed to enroll but have lower priority behind students and college employees.
CalWORKS students can enroll their toddlers in outside preschools and receive vouchers for reimbursement from the state. "Students are using off-campus care until we open," Cochrane said.
This is quality childcare, according to Cochrane, better than many more expensive programs. Many parents want to participate in both this program and the existing preschool program for children ages 2 years, 6 months to 5 years, because of the highly qualified teachers and low student-teacher ratio, she said. “We are getting excited as the reality is closer than ever,” concluded Cochrane.
The program will located near the IVC library near the existing pre-school program.
Parents on the waiting list can expect to be informed of their status upon completion of the safety projects. Anyone wanting more information can call Cochrane at 883-2211x8222.
“We received two $16,000 grants as well as $12,000 from Marin Education Fund to help pay for the final construction costs,” said Cochrane. Tasks include raising the entry walkway to meet federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications.
“The toddler program will begin as soon as the safety projects are completed,” Cochrane said. Projects include changing the current iron gate to a wooden gate, similar to the wooden fence that surrounds the center. Toddlers would be able stick their heads between the iron rods of the gate, which was installed without the college’s approval, Cochrane said.
A smaller 3-foot-high wooden fence will be put around the supporting beams of the protective over-hang, to keep children from wandering off when the main gate is open.
Demand is high for the toddler preschool already. “We do have 15 families on our waiting list, and only have 15 openings at a time,” Cochrane explained. In accordance with state regulations, students with financial need and those enrolled in CalWORKS get first priority.
Other students get second priority, followed by COM faculty and staff. Two or three spaces go to those who pay the full fee for enrollment. Non-student members of the community are allowed to enroll but have lower priority behind students and college employees.
CalWORKS students can enroll their toddlers in outside preschools and receive vouchers for reimbursement from the state. "Students are using off-campus care until we open," Cochrane said.
This is quality childcare, according to Cochrane, better than many more expensive programs. Many parents want to participate in both this program and the existing preschool program for children ages 2 years, 6 months to 5 years, because of the highly qualified teachers and low student-teacher ratio, she said. “We are getting excited as the reality is closer than ever,” concluded Cochrane.
The program will located near the IVC library near the existing pre-school program.
Parents on the waiting list can expect to be informed of their status upon completion of the safety projects. Anyone wanting more information can call Cochrane at 883-2211x8222.