Black Cat Bulletin
Keeping it R.E.A.L. at West Terrace
Before and After School Extended Day Care Update
Good evening,
I want to sincerely apologize to the parents in our community who are concerned about the waiting list for before and after school care. I am so sorry for the frustrations, fears, and for the unknown this situation is bringing to the families concerned with this situation.
I know there are many rumors about this so I wanted to share as much as I can to alleviate any unknowns, and to keep our parents who are concerned about before and after school child care updated. I apologize for the late hour of this note.
At this hour, we are continuing to work on a plan with the support of our downtown administration. We at West Terrace, along with all of my upline support, are working on a solution for our school and for the other schools in our situation.
The facts as I know them now:
- The state regulations stipulate a ratio of 1:20 first through 6th graders, and 1:15 for kindergarten.
- When school let out in May, we were staffed with 5 people, for 90-100 students (which is the norm for our school.)
- Two staff members resigned in the last couple of weeks, putting us in the situation of having to follow the guidelines laid out in the letter sent by daycare to all daycare parents at the end of last school year. (I know some have stated they didn't receive it so I will attach it here so you have the full story and contact information.)
- The Director for Extended Day Centers, Leia Darden, has been interviewing all summer for coordinators, and now for staff members for the centers.
- Our coordinator, Meredith Veal was hired and began her job Friday morning.
Just to clarify, West Terrace does not have direct answers to this situation, but I am staying informed and we will happily take your calls and can direct you to the correct department if we cannot answer your concerns. Day Care is not a department at WT, but is housed in our school to serve our community. (We don't staff the center. We provide the space for it and support them with their needs while in our building.) However, anything that happens at WT is under my care, and I will continue to look for and advocate for solutions, as I have since hearing about our staffing concerns.
We will continue to collaborate with you, and with downtown, to solve this situation.
Fortunately for us, three staff members will solve our current wait list. If you know of someone who would be willing to work our center, please have them contact Leia Darden for an interview. 812 435 8435. Please understand that in order to work with children there is an extensive vetting process, and it will take time. However, if there are qualified applicants who work well with children, and meet the requirements, they will be hired.
If you wish to be kept up to date regarding this situation, please send me an email and I will send you updates regarding the progress being made. katie.white@evsc.k12.in.us
Again, I want to sincerely apologize for this situation. We will get answers and will have a solution as soon as possible. It is my hope to accommodate EVERY family on the waiting list, and to not stop asking for applicants and referrals to applicants until we do.
Sincerely, and respectfully.
Katie White