Parent Letter to Dean Watson

Dear Dean Watson,

Thank you for your attention to the current issue that is affecting UNI students, parents, children, faculty and staff of the UNI Child Development Center.

On Tuesday 04/26/2011, I attended the informational parents meeting hosted by the UNI CDC Policy Board Members. Unfortunately, there was no formal decision on your or the University of Northern Iowa behalf, in regards to the resolution of the issue that the CDC is facing because the State Fire Marshall inspection was postponed. Although, I understand somehow the complexity of the issue, I cannot understand why a contingency plan or timeline has not been announced to assist those who will be affected if there are any changes to the UNI CDC due to the inspection.

Early this month you stated that you were trying to find “other viable solutions” that will ensure that the University of Northern Iowa CDC “will not be eliminating 24 students, and all classrooms will be utilized to accommodate our current capacity.” In your e-mail you expressed that “These changes may affect enrollments, but not the displacement of existing students.” My family and I would like to know, if your statement still holds true, and we don’t have to worry that we will have to find different childcare for our daughter.

As I type this, there is uncertainty in our family, and professional plans due to the lack of official response on the issue. I’m not sure if you understand the urgency that this matter presents to us, students, parents, faculty, and staff that might be affected by your decision. Quality childcare providers in the area are hard to find, and those childcare providers, which to our and a vast majority opinion, are below to the CDC standards, currently have a year and a half waiting list to accept any children of our daughters age. Unfortunately, this issue affects not only the childcare arrangements in our family, but also our professional lives. If we do not find a proper childcare provider, one of us will have to stay at home to provide care for our daughter.

I honestly do not want that my daughter or other children will lose the privilege of being educated at the UNI CDC. My wife and I received a great education at UNI, and we truly believe our daughter should follow our footsteps receiving the outstanding education that only the UNI CDC can offer.

Due to the urgency of the matter, I respectfully request that you can provide our family, parents, faculty and staff that are affected by this suspense with an answer within this week.

Sincerely,

Redgie Blanco

Father of Marisol Blanco Anacker