Michael sends along this note from Superintendent Phyllis Edwards to College Heights to parents  announcing that after an extensive search for a partner to run the city’s 0-3 childcare program, the school system has decided to just do it themselves.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

For the past four months, City Schools of Decatur (CSD) has conducted an extensive search for new partnership for our birth to age three program. I contacted and/or met with five (5) possible early learning providers and invited them to submit a proposal and make a presentation to the College Heights ECLC Advisory Council. On October 20, 2010, two of those invited providers, Metro YMCA and City Schools of Decatur, chose to submit a proposal and to present to the Advisory Council. The Advisory Council then made a recommendation and submitted it to me for my consideration.

On Monday, November 29,2010, the CSD Board of Education met in a Special Session to discuss and act on the selection of the new partner for our birth to age three program.

After careful consideration and discussion, the Board continued their commitment toward providing a high quality educational programs; therefore, CSD will operate the College Heights ECLC birth to age three program beginning January 3, 2011.

As we begin the transfer of partnership of our birth to age three classrooms, we want to articulate the changes and processes that will occur during the month of December.

1. Postings for the 0-3 and After School Program positions will be placed on the CSD website today and will close on December 7th.

2. Interviews will begin on December 8th and continue until all positions are filled.

3. Employees from the CSD Finance Department will be available at College Heights ECLC on December 7th and 8th to complete tuition application forms and set-up a tuition payment plan that will begin January 2,2011. New tuition rates will go into effect on January 2nd (please see the enclosed document for further information)

4. Letters informing families of their child’s classroom teaching staff will be sent home on December 16,2010.

As we move forward, it is our intent to lessen any transition for your child in his/her education. We have worked closely with existing YMCA staff members throughout this process. Many are looking forward to applying and interviewing with CSD.

As always, feel free to direct your questions to either Principal Suzanne Kennedy, skennedy@csdecatur.let” 4A437A.4480, or a member of the CHECLC Advisory Council. Contact information is available at tho CHECLC website.

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