Child Development center remains closed
Will next semester students be able to place their children in the CDC or will they need to look for care elsewhere?
The Child Development Center on the American River College campus has yet to hear if it’s possible to open up for the students who will be attending campus this fall semester. (File Photo)
After nearly three semesters of online distance learning, American River College is set to offer hybrid classes next semester. What remains unclear, however, is what this means for the on-campus Child Development Center.
Cheryl Watt, the CDC’s supervisor, says the center’s staff is eager to be back on campus with children, but do not know yet if they will be open for fall 2021. ARC’s administration is working on a plan for the CDC reopening, but nothing is for certain just yet.
Many students rely upon this center being made available for their children while doing coursework or in classes. The CDC has been active with connecting to those families to try to provide them with the resources they need during this time.
“The CDC staff has been supporting children and families virtually via zoom, phone calls, and Canvas, Watt said in an email to the Current. “We have been able to provide resources, have virtual group gatherings, and connect with families as much as possible. Some families have found alternative childcare due to the need for in-person support.”
As students begin to prepare for the next semester coming up, many students may have questions about how the CDC will operate given the new orders placed this past year by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“The CDC will follow all state, licensing and district guidelines when we return to campus. We do not know exactly what that will look like because we do not know when we will return, but the safety of our families is our top priority,” Watt said.
ARC’s administration has not confirmed yet whether or not the CDC will reopen for fall. ARC’s Public Information Officer, Scott Crow, has been working to keep students updated on whether or not to look elsewhere for childcare.
“No decision has been made at this time about the status of the ARC Child Development Center for fall 2021,” Crow said in an email to the Current. “We continue to follow the guidance of public health experts and closely monitor the latest developments. The safety of our families, students, and staff remains our top priority.”
To find out more information on state regulations visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
