Newark Child Care Program Will Remain Open

The people have spoken — and city officials have listened.

The City of Newark Recreation and Community Services Department’s long-running Preschool Child Care Program, held at the Newark Community Center, will remain open indefinitely.

“After hearing from parents and concerned members of the community, we’ve decided to rescind the closure notice and allow the program to continue,” Recreation and Community Services Director David Zehnder told Patch.

“It’s going to be given a fair opportunity to succeed,” Zehnder added. “We’ll scrutinize the program as much as needed, and we’ll be more transparent with the parents and the community as to how the program is proceeding.”

Many parents and community members were caught off-guard when the City announced the program’s closure on May 31.

Residents told Patch that they had come to rely on the more than 20-year-old program for its price and the level of care, attention and education the small staff provided.

The state-licensed program provides full-time, all day child care and preschool services for 3 to 5 year olds for $168 a week for Newark residents and $176 a week for non-locals. The curriculum includes kindergarten preparedness, art, science, music and computer activities, along with outdoor playtime in the park. 

But despite reducing staff wages and work hours, increasing customer fees, and deferring field trips and equipment purchases in recent years, the program still lost about $100,000 in revenues due to declining enrollment, Zehnder said.

The City was left with no other choice but to shut the program down — or so they thought.

After news of the closure, parents quickly rallied together at a recent City Council meeting where they pledged to work with officials to help the program sustain itself.

As a result of the program’s continuation, a $25 per week fee increase will be implemented starting July 1.

Officials will also look at different marketing approaches to promote the program and keep enrollment at its 48 student max, Zehnder said. They’ll be tapping the community for ideas at a public meeting in mid-July, and asking residents to help promote the program through social media and word-of-mouth referrals.

If the program doesn’t reach its enrollment and revenue goals, then a possible closure may be back on the table, Zehnder said. 

“The community is going to have a large say and a large stake in the success of the program,” Zehnder said. “We’re gong to need their help. Obviously, it hasn’t been working as it’s been presented, so we need a new approach.”

Parents are ready for the challenge.

“I'm confident with parents now working hand in hand with the city that we can make this program successful,” said parent Shauna Butler. “I'm very thankful that the City of Newark reconsidered and are giving us a chance. I'm also very excited that the children can continue to stay and learn from these great teachers.”