A place for your comments after the meeting with Dean Watson and possible questions that you would like the policy board to consider at their next meeting.
NOTE: If you decide to stay anonymous, please give yourself an alias so it is easier to respond to your comment.
My 2 cents: We may believe the Dean when he says he cares, but our trust has been violated by the situation, and we need more than trust now. We need a commitment from the CDC that we have a spot for our children. When will we get that? Once we do, I believe our advocacy will be a more positive force for finding good alternatives and ultimately advocating for the program itself beyond this current issue.
ReplyDeleteIf the CDC and PLS/R&D are considered to be two separate entities merely sharing a facility, which Dean Watson clarified for all those in attendance at the April 5th parent meeting, why is it that the director of the CDC, Candice York, reports to Interim Director, Dr. Countryman? If Dr. Countryman's program were using a facility mostly occupied by the CDC would she then have to report to whomever was in charge of that facility merely because they shared a building?
ReplyDeleteI believe the "chain of command" is skewed in this respect and would benefit greatly from some examination as to it's legitimacy and application for the special circumstances surrounding two separate programs merely occupying the same facility.
Dean Watson stated that all classrooms were going to be staying the same as they are right now. Is he going to make sure this is clarified in detail to Dr. Countryman, since she informed the CDC director that they were to vacate the two pre-k classrooms by the end of June term?
ReplyDeleteI would like to reiterate Anonymous, 4/6, 7:14am's question/concern: will Dr. Countryman be made aware of the Dean's intent to "keep classrooms as they are"? This should be done in proficient time, just as we should be notified as parents of any changes in proficient time.
ReplyDeleteThere is a chain of command and then there is an ivory tower....
ReplyDeletehttp://ezinearticles.com/?The-Ivory-Tower-Syndrome&id=2446 - H.
Dean Watson's message of April 5 (see Correspondence tab) stated that the CDC Director "settled on a solution that was not in the best interest of the students attending the center", and he has alleged that parents were misinformed. We have learned nothing to substantiate either of those claims, however. Dean Watson's account of the events during Tuesday's parent meeting indicates that it was likely the Interim Director of the lab school, not the CDC Director, who made a conscious decision to put CDC children at risk.
ReplyDeleteInterim Director Countryman apparently settled on a solution to move 3-year olds into a space that was determined by the Cedar Falls Fire Department to be unsafe for the 5-year olds she sought to relocate. It appears to have been a "lesser of two evils" solution that demonstrates an egregious lack of good judgement. Is there any evidence to dispute this account of the events?
It seems it was the CDC Director who acted in the best interests of students by not accepting the rooms upstairs and also in the best interests of the program by refusing to jeopardize its accreditation and licensure.
In response to Anonymous April 6, 12:21pm...Dean Watson said that they were moving the Pre-K/K R&D classrooms so that at least one of the programs would be compliant with fire code (per the supposed University fire official). He stated that the CDC was out of compliance and so was R&D when in actuality according to state and city fire marshall reports the CDC is actually IN COMPLIANCE. I don't know who told him the CDC was out of compliance, but that information appears to be incorrect, because there were reports brought to the meeting indicating CDC compliance.
ReplyDeleteThe Ivory Tower blurb really made me think about this chain of command thing and the break down that can happen. It's often, also, like a game of telephone. The first person says "the business is overwhelming" and the last person in a game of 10 people hearing things hears "the building is on fire!"
ReplyDeleteDean Watson also said that the CDC Director, Candice York, did not follow chain of command when she was discussing the options available with R&D Director, Dr. Countryman, but they were disagreeing or having conflicts in trying to find the best solution. Dean Watson said that Candice should have gone to the next person in the chain of command to let them know that she and her "supervisor" were having trouble agreeing on a solution. It was brought up at the meeting that an email communication was sent by Candice York to both Dr. Nadene Davidson and Dean Watson on March 28th in regards to that very problem (not being able to come up with a solution that would work at that point), but that no response was sent to or received by Candice York. The Dean never answered the question in regards to whether he got that email; if he did get the email, why he did not respond and if he were to have responded what the appropriate plan of action then would have been.
ReplyDeleteWhen can we expect an update from Dean Watson?
ReplyDelete-an update regarding speaking with the top-down chain of command (Dr. Davidson, Dr. Countryman, etc.) about the decision to keep classrooms as is and what the next step is.
-an update regarding fire code/compliance issues (if any) and what the next step is.
-an update regarding what he spoke about concerning the CDC and fiscal solvency. It sounded like there could be possible repercussions of some sort when reviewing the budget at the end of the fiscal year regarding the CDC in this area...it seemed that he took issue with the university/college of education budget supporting the CDC when the CDC has been in the red, even though last year (2010) he said the CDC was fiscally solvent.
President Truman had a no-nonsense approach to decision making. The sign, “The Buck Stops Here” on his desk reflected his belief that he was ultimately responsible for the actions of his administration.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the Truman Library
http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/hstr/image/obj/buckstops.html
What if this is all a scare tactic by an unethical CDC coordinator to ignite angry parents in organizing an emotionally-frenzied blitz on a fresh new Dean of the College of Education? Just saying....wait until the facts come out that reveal the gross misleading of a group of honest and protective parents.
ReplyDeleteSo Anonymous (April 7, 9:46pm), are you a parent? I don't think so! Because you really don't understand what is going on here. OF COURSE we were angry because we found out our children were going to be kicked out in 2 months. It was going to happen if the parents weren't notified by this wonderful CDC coordinator and the CDC staff.
ReplyDeleteThere is no scare tactic. The fact is Lyn and the Dean ignored the CDC coordinator and made the decision to displace 26 children and their parents. There is no misunderstanding!!!! You know nothing!
In reply to the accusation that the CDC director concocted this and used a scare tactic...
ReplyDeleteWell that would be really something. Problem is, nothing revealed so far would suggest that was the case. If the CDC Director acted prematurely, unethically, or misinformed parents, where is the evidence to support these claims? She has been publicly accused of these things while just the opposite seems to be supported by actual facts.
One more thing. Let us keep this forum constructive and resist the urge to personally attack anyone. It can be tempting when we strongly disagree, but please try to keep things civil here.
I agree with Anonymous, April 7 10:32! There is no evidence at this point stating that the CDC director acted unethically (innocent until proven guilty, isn't it?). I don't believe the CDC director has any motive behind anything detrimental towards the Dean...her focus always has been and continues to be in serving the families and children of the CDC.
ReplyDeleteIf we all care about early childhood education and, specifically, the children impacted by this situation, let us keep our focus on open communication and getting answers from Dean Watson as to what the best solution would be for all parties involved.
To Anonymous (4/7 9:46pm), I would "caution" you to check your facts first before publicly accusing a dedicated public servant. The CDC coordinator is just doing her job - i.e. looking out for the welfare of children and their parents (i.e. UNI faculty, staff and students). Let us know if you believe you know something we don't know. Don't "Just saying"! You're destroying someone's reputations and not helping the children and the university. You probably need to go get your facts straight first.
ReplyDeleteAnother reply to the accusation that the CDC Coordinator concocted this and used a scare tactic…
ReplyDeleteI believe the CDC Coordinator, Candice York did exactly the right thing! The PLS/R&D staff and parents were told about the room change BEFORE the CDC Coordinator informed parents. If she did not follow chain of command like Dean Watson suggested, then neither did Interim Director Lyn Countryman.
My question is then, why did Dean Watson so publicly make it aware that he thought the CDC Director Candice York should not have told parents because the information was erroneous, but yet Interim Director Lyn Countryman told staff and parents that they were taking over the 3-4 and 4-5 rooms BEFORE that CDC Director Candice York did? It seems to me like the CDC Director Candice York was under the impression that it was a done deal since PLS/R&D staff and parents were already notified of the changes by her “superior” (according to the chain of command). It seems to me that the chain of command is not working and somewhere down the line things got changed!!!
In the reply email dated April 7, Dean Watson “caution parents on overstepping their roles.” UNI is a public, state university and its staff, including Dean Watson, Lyn Countryman, and Candice York are all public, state employees. We, the people, have every right to demand for answers and ask for information. The people don’t have to follow a broken chain of command. We must hold our public employees accountable for their decisions, especially during this very difficult time. The role of the parents, of course, is to protect their children. Instead of shutting the parents off, Dean Watson should welcome their participation and provide them with information so that an informed decision can be made together.
ReplyDeleteIn this case, the R&D director ignored the welfare of the CDC children and their parents. She failed to properly consult with Candice and inform the CDC parents of her decisions. Dean Watson hid behind his self-serving chain of command and tolerated the abusive nature of the decision made by the R&D director. As a result, a poor decision was made; the quality of the CDC was compromised; the interests and welfare of the 26 children were sacrificed; and the hearts of these loving parents were broken.
If it weren’t because of Candice’s heroic action, the parents would have been kept in the dark and the 26 children, including many head start parents, would have been displaced.
At the parent meeting on April 5, Dean Watson was present to review the current situation. It was a good first start, but not enough. You must encourage parents to contribute ideas and provide them timely response to any solutions that you are considering. They are your friends, not your enemies.
The people in Egypt have utilized Twitter and Facebook to join force together with a united front to overthrow a 30-year dictatorship. The Egyptian people did what was right. Just wondering…if Mubarak had ever warned his people “on overstepping their roles”.
Are there any other buildings on campus or in the community that could be used for CDC purposes so that they do not have to share a facility with R&D?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Curious said on April 9, 2011 @ 351pm. I feel that the best thing to do is to have PLS/R&D school and the UNI CDC become two separate entities in all aspects of the word, like Dean Watson stated at the April 5th meeting, "The CDC and R&D school are two separate entities". The UNI CDC needs to be placed in a different building that meets fire code and can serve the UNI families in a more comfortable, non-threatening setting. The CDC also needs to have a building that shows off the quality program that it TRULY is and not be stuck down in a dungeon of a basement that it is currently occupying. Let's put the UNI CDC out there to be seen and to sparkle for UNI! It is what brings A LOT of faculty and students to UNI, so let's give the UNI CDC the respect and support that it needs to survive on this campus!!
ReplyDeleteAs to the UNI CDC Director, Candice York - No, she would never make something like this a scare tactic. Whomever said that DOES NOT know this very caring, honest, hardworking woman who puts the families and staff of the UNI CDC first and foremost. Candice York is a person who bends over backwards to help her families and places safety of the children first always! Candice York did everything right according to my book. Lyn Countryman is wrong in this matter. She did not follow the chain of command prior to announcing to R&D school staff and parents that they would be taking over the UNI CDC's preschool rooms. Dean Watson, Lyn Countryman is not following much if any protocol when interacting with Candice York or the staff of the UNI CDC. Lyn Countryman is a very demeaning, authoritarian, power and control leader who doesn't understand or try to understand or learn anything about the UNI CDC. I am a student staff at the UNI CDC and I see how Lyn comes down to the CDC and "lays down the law" and how she interacts with the teachers and Candice York. I have worked many hours at the CDC throughout the day since August, 2010 and have never once seen Lyn Countryman interact with any of the UNI CDC staff (teachers, Candice York, student staff, etc) in a positive manner or with a smile on her face. I was in the office working on a project for a teacher one day back in September, 2010 when Lyn Countryman came in demanded to know how the CDC got a hold of the classrooms that the 3-4 and 4-5 room now occupy. She stated that "someone made a wrong decision and now she needed to fix it" The staff member she asked didn't know and had told Lyn to talk with Candice York about that. I am not sure what happened after that. But I do know that all of you involved in this matter need to know this conversation happened because to me it shows that this has been on Dr. Lyn Countryman's agenda since she moved into the Interim Director's position! To me it shows anger and hostility towards the UNI CDC for "taking away PLS rooms" This should have never came out like this - it was very unprofessional of her and gave me a bad feeling of how she may be as a leader. As a student staff member, I feel obligated to tell parents that I work for about this situation. You need to know the facts. I feel that Dr. Lyn Countryman has some personal issues she may be dealing with when it comes to her involvement with the UNI CDC!
Anonymous April 9 @ 11:58 pm - I don't know whether this comment makes me feel more hopeless or hopeful. Sounds like there is a long-held dream of displacing our classrooms - we must continue to fight and try to expose that motivation - all of these other issues are just means to an end.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds to me that Dr. Lyn Countryman and the Dean keep on changing their stories. They are not being honest. It's only clear to me that Dr. Countryman was trying to fix her problems by giving her problems away to the CDC at their expense. Lyn compromised the quality education at CDC and the head start program as well as displacing 26 children and their families..... This doesn't sound right to me...that made me sick!
ReplyDeleteTo my knowledge and to my encounters with Director, Candice York; Candice has done nothing wrong in this instance. Candice has been more emotional and sensitive to issues than she usually is due to her cancer treatment that she is currently enduring - a form of chemotherapy. Maybe this chemotherapy made her email to parents a bit more emotional than an email Candice may have written not on chemotherapy but the truth of the matter is, is that Candice acted in any way that any director who has the best interest of her families, children of those families, student staff, and teachers who are involved and have the most at stake in the UNI CDC.
ReplyDeleteCandice acted in thee most professional, conscientious and forthright manner when sending out the original email to parents notifying them of the news she was informed of by Dr. Lyn Countryman.
I was in our office when Candice spoke with Dr. Countryman on the phone regarding the original news that Dr. Countryman wanted the UNI CDC moved out of the 3-4 and 4-5 rooms by May 27th and at that time, Dr. Countryman would not budge for a later date. I was also in the office when Candice York tried calling Dr. Countryman upon several occasions to discuss the room issue and what to tell UNI CDC parents. I was there the day that Candice left a voicemail to Dr. Countryman stating that she needed to inform parents today of the changes that were taking place because parents were start to come to UNI CDC teachers and to Candice in regards to the rumors they were hearing from the upstairs PLS staff and parents of PLS students; as they were already told by Dr. Countryman that the R&D School (PLS) would be taking those two rooms back from the UNI CDC. I heard Candice York ask Dr. Countryman to call her back regarding this matter as soon as possible as she needed to tell parents that day. There were no return phone calls from Dr. Lyn Countryman, you ask how I know this? I was there the entire day that day at my desk. No phone calls were taken by me other than a few parents questions, wait list updates and two hang up phone calls. That day, Candice had an office full of teachers, parents, and staff in and out of her office asking what was going to happen. Teachers believed that we HAD to tell our parents at the UNI CDC before we were looked down upon by those parents for not telling them of this possibility that other parents from PLS were allowed to know days or maybe even weeks prior! Candice made the decision based on the facts she was told by Dr. Lyn Countryman. Our UNI CDC parents needed to know this major information so they could start any process they needed to in order to find replacement childcare services. Anyone in Early Childhood Education knows how difficult finding quality childcare and education in our area is to do in April for the following Summer or Fall enrollment periods!
I fully support the decisions that Candice York made in notifying the parents of the UNI CDC of the changes put forth by Dr. Lyn Countryman. Sara Blanco (R&D School Spanish teacher) couldn't have said it better, "I commend Candice York for notifying us, parents of even the possibility of losing the UNI CDC preschool rooms and giving the priority to students. Even if Candice York broke protocol, I am glad, in this instance, she broke protocol! Thank you to Director, Candice York! She had all of us parents and the UNI CDC children in her best interest!"
My name is Kevin and I am the director's husband. We have been married 15 years, almost all of which Candice has been employed at the UNI CDC. She began as a temporary half time toddler room teacher. After two years, she was hired as a term employee working in the infant classroom. Then two years later took on the role of the assistant coordinator and still a full-time infant room teacher. Even with only 4 classrooms, no evening program or after school program, the previous director had an assistant. Then two years later, she was appointed as the interim director of the CDC because the previous director, Jill, took a position as a professor. Then my wife was hired as a tenure-track faculty member as the director of the UNI CDC. She has been in this role for the past 8 years. During this 15 years, we had 3 more children of our own, plus my step daughter and a never ending stream of foster children. In fifteen years we have never been without 1-4 foster children living in our home. During this time, my wife completed her masters degree in Early Childhood, and started her doctoral program. She has been unable to complete this program because of the unending work load that UNI has placed on my wife and medical issues. The CDC grew from 4 classrooms to include an evening program and 2 additional classrooms, and an after school program. Three years ago, she was also given full responsibility of an additional classroom in Waterloo at the Freeburg Center. She also lost her assistant at that same time due to budget cuts. Also during this time, my wife went through 3 surgeries to remove tumors that have continued to threaten her life. She has endured 4 different chemotherapy treatments and radiation. All through this, she rarely missed work because of her dedication to the CDC. She almost always works 50+ hours a week. This would often be a source of contention for us because I often felt she put work before family. It was this summer when she was given bad news regarding her illness and a major surgery involving complications leaving her in the hospital for 12 days that she began to finally realize that she could no longer do it all. She asked for help from her superiors many times. My wife was trying to work a normal 40 hours a week to give herself the time she needed to rest and be a wife and mother. Bottom line is, there isn't enough hours in a day for her to do all that she is responsible for at the CDC and give her family the time that we need. My wife needs help, she can't do it all. More and more gets added to her plate every day. Now, the straw that broke the camels back, she is told to tell her families that the program she loves would be compromised to four rooms. Why? Because she would not compromise the safety and integrity of the program. So, she did. I remember the night she wrote the final email. She didn't come home till very late and she was completely distraught over the information that she was told to give. For anyone that knows my wife, she's not that emotional. She'll tell you that herself. But I believe that she just couldn't take it anymore. She felt betrayed by her employer. She hurt over the calamity that this was going to cause. My wife will keep on keeping on, because that's what she does. And I will be by her side all the way. She will continue to stand up for what she believes in. She believes in quality early childhood education. I believe in my wife and her abilities. I always have and always will. She is not "unethical". That offends me and apparently that person does not know my wife. Stop micromanaging her and try getting to know her. That's all I have to say.
ReplyDeleteKevin
Kevin, I 100% agree with your comments. Thanks for your contribution!
ReplyDeleteI know that it is not the main focus of the upcoming meeting tomorrow night with Dean Watson, but is there anything scheduled or will there be anything scheduled to discuss the questions raised here?
ReplyDeleteHas anyone contacted the CCR&R of Northeast Iowa (Child Care Referral Network)? I was wondering if they might write an impact statement of the loss of any spaces for the Cedar Valley area. After the first meeting with the Dean, I checked to see about availability and only found one home-based program with an opening for infants and no place with an opening for 2 children. I know there is a shortage of licensed child care in the area but wondering if they might be able to provide some actual numbers. They might be able to help explain the licensing process, length of time families spend on waiting lists and/or trying to find child care, etc. They do have resources available for "employers" so this might be of use too!
ReplyDeleteHere is the website if others are interested:
http://www.neiowachildcare.org/
If the R&D needs to gain another classroom to accommodate for expansion such as another section of Pre-K, why is the classroom up next to the current classrooms (currently a university classroom for education courses) not utilized? The university classes could be taught in Schindler OR could use room 148, which is currently used as a meeting/gathering room.
ReplyDeleteWill Dean Watson stand by his statement of April 5 when he wrote to all CDC parents the following: "Be assured, that we will not be eliminating 24 students and all classrooms will be utilized to accomodate our current capacity. These changes may affect enrollments, but not the displacement of existing students." (see Correspondence tab for that email message)
ReplyDeleteWhen parents met with Dean Watson in early April he did not seem aware of the process that families continue with the CDC from year to year (don't re-apply) or would have already been notified that they were moved from the waiting list to fill a spot for the upcoming academic year. This does not seem any different from what occurs for college student admission. We don't make college students re-apply each year to continue and as stated on the university website: "You can apply as early as the summer before your senior year. There is not an application deadline, but there are advantages to gaining admission early." I can't imagine UNI would notify a college student they were admitted and then 4 months before starting say there was no longer a spot for them. I think this is happening to those of us who were slated to have infants start in the fall. With the shortage of child care in the area it is impacting my family as well as others!
ReplyDeleteYes, Jennifer, I wonder the same thing. I would like the Dean, using the university's policy on nepotism, to explain exactly HOW allowing me to have my child come is violating that policy. It is very common practice for teacher's working in a child development center/early childhood care setting to be allowed their child a spot so that teacher can continue to work in their current position without having to take their child somewhere else. This was a policy put in place by the CDC policy board and with the Dean's emphasis on chain of command I would think if he believes it to be in violation of the university's nepotism policy then it should be brought up with the policy board first to be re-evaluated before he has the final say.
ReplyDeleteOne of my concerns is that it will make it more difficult for the CDC to hire and keep quality early childhood professionals if they are unable to have their own children attend the CDC.
http://www.uni.edu/policies/403/
Has Dean Watson or other UNI officials set up a date to announce a final decision on this matter? Should I continue planning that my daughter will be attending the UNI CDC or not? According to his statement on April 5th, I'm planning that no existing students will be displaced. I hope that his statement do not change because it will affect negatively a lot of Students, Parents Faculty and Staff.
ReplyDeleteWhat does the CDC's policies have to do with reducing the space, staffing and mission of the CDC? Nothing. Just like the Fire Code.
ReplyDelete(Corrected) What do the CDC's policies have to do with reducing the space, staffing and mission of the CDC? Nothing. Just like the Fire Code.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous from 4/27 @ 12:50pm: can you clarify what you are meaning by this statement?
ReplyDeletePolicies with respect to children of CDC staff have nothing to do with whether the CDC should be four, five or six rooms next year. These are separate issues. If the UNI administration is seriously concerned about these policies, then - whether wise or foolish - they can change them. In fact, saying that staff should not have priority for enrolling their children is an acknowledgement of the demand for the CDC's programs and hardly supports the idea that the CDC should lose rooms.
ReplyDeleteIt is very worrisome to hear these arguments being brought up at this point by the Dean. The issue at hand is, or at least was before the subject was changed, the assignment of existing CDC space to Price Lab: is this a good idea? what are the impacts? That the Dean has weighed in by complaining about CDC policies is telling to me. If it were really about policies and their implementation, I think the CDC does well by comparison.
Whether or not you agree with the Dean's position on policies related to children of CDC staff, I think you can strongly disagree with bringing this subject into the discussion at this time. It is supposed to be a joke, but this reminds me of the line "the beatings will continue until morale improves." The directive from the Price Lab school director created uncertainty, worry, poor morale and the loss of faith in the sense of community that many believed to be a unique attribute of UNI. What was needed from the Dean was not only the ability to find a creative solution to a difficult issue, but the strong morale leadership that is needed with so much hurt, conflict and uncertainty.
I am sad to see that the need for this leadership remains unsatisfied so many weeks after this issue first surfaced.
I am interested in the statement that the CDC and PLS are two separate entities. I always thought they were and have had kids at the CDC since 1999. I am echoing another's question, if that is the case and they are two separate entities housed in the same building, why is the PLS Director overseeing the CDC director????? That does not make sense to me and does not add up. It was never this way before. That is a major concern of mine considering the PLS Director is an interim director, new in her position and very unfamiliar with the CDC.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to know why the policies have come up along with the space issue. If the Dean sees it as an issue, that's fine, but it is a completely separate issue from the fire code/space issue. We need, not just want, NEED an answer as to what he plans to do regarding the CDC rooms and accommodating for what he has said he would do!
ReplyDeleteFrom his email sent April 5th - "Be assured, that we will not be eliminating 24 students and all classrooms will be utilized to accomodate our current capacity." If he has asked for numbers for a 5 room CDC then the second part of this statement is false!
If there is an issue with CDC policy shouldn't he raise that issue with the CDC policy board and ask that it be reviewed by them first according to his theory of chain of command, as opposed to him just making the decision?? Allow the policy board to review the university's nepotism policy and make an educated decision (allow them to do *their* own research on the subject) since that seems to be what he's basing his decision off of.
A quetions for currently enrolled families- have any of you looked at other centers or home daycares? There are other quality daycares out there-we all just need to take the time to call around and tour these other places with the understanding that they are licensed by the same DHS that licenses the CDC- if these places weren't up to standards they wouldn't have wait lists or even be licensed.
ReplyDeleteDear UNI CDC Policy Board parent representatives,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sending the letter to the Provost Gibson yesterday. Also, Many thanks, for all the hard work that you are doing for all of us.
Sincerely,
Redgie Blanco
Response to anonymous 4/28/11 at 7:52 a.m. -
ReplyDeleteI agree, there are other daycares. But the CDC is amazing, convenient, and there is no good reason to reduce the enrollment when there are empty classrooms just sitting available at PLS.
Dear Anonymous April 28, 2011 7:52 AM "have any of you looked at other centers or home daycares" - Of course we looked at other centers! Did you?
ReplyDeleteThere is no quality care for infants and according to the waiting list that I put my older son on, he may be ready for an elementary school before admitted to the daycare!
Response to anonymous 4/28/11 at 7:52 a.m.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent, we did try to contact/tour multiple child care centers, and most of them have at least a year long waiting list. In addition to that, the quality and facilities are nothing comparable with what we currently have in CDC. We cannot enroll our children into these "quality" day cares within a short notice.
Question for you - why give up a national recognized program when there is one here, and jeopardized our children early childhood education opportunities?
I wish to point out that there are quality DAY CARES out there, as the CDC is, but CDC is also a CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER! There is a HUGE difference between the two in terms of standards, observations, assessment, teacher qualifications, ratio's, etc. There are SO MANY facets to QUALITY CHILD DEVELOPMENT, and due to people generally wanting to phrase it "Day Care," those differences are often overlooked. I commend those parents who have looked and not found CHILD DEVELOPMENT centers, and demand that their child get the best EARLY EDUCATION that can recieve, not just babysitting.
ReplyDeleteResponse to anonymous 4/28/11 at 7:52 a.m
ReplyDeleteIf I wanted the employees to take care of my child's DAY I would have chosen a DAY CARE center. . . . BUT I have chosen to have my son enrolled at the UNI Child Development Center because it is a CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER that takes CARE of the CHILD, not the DAY like "babysitting" does at local DAY CARES. DAY CARE centers have employees generally with either no high school diploma's, high school diploma's, GED's, maybe A.A. degrees or CDA degrees and if you are lucky a B.A. degree. The UNI CDC has two lead teachers in every room with teachers either holding an Master's degree or obtaining their Master's degrees in Early Childhood Education! Have you been to a conference for a child that attends the UNI CDC before? If not, I encourage you to inquire about how these conferences go, what is all involved in a conference because our conferences and the assessments and observations that these teachers who work here at the UNI CDC are AMAZING, INDEPTH, and OUTSTANDING!!! Teachers at the UNI CDC perform assessments on every child and do most of these twice a school year; these assessments include the DECA, Brigance, Ounce Scale, ASQ, ASQ-SE, Work Sampling, Electronic Digital Portfolios, and Documentation on the Iowa Early Learning Standards! Standards for Infant, toddlers and preschoolers, you may ask? Yes, indeed! I challenge you to go to any other DAY CARE center in the entire CEDAR VALLEY and ask about these Iowa Early Learning Standards and the names of these other assessments as well as NAEYC Accreditation, SACERS - School Age Care Environmental Rating Scale, ITERS - Infant/Toddler Environmental Rating Scale and ECERS - Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (which we are a training site for all of these as well), QRS - Quality Rating System (UNI CDC has THEE TOP RATING of a 5 by the way!) and see what these other DAY CARE centers say about what they do for these items.
It's VERY OBVIOUS that YOU have not done YOUR research on the UNI CDC! There is NOTHING in this area that COMPARES to the UNI CDC and the QUALITY of CARE my son receives from the AMAZING and PASSIONATE TEACHERS we have at this CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER!
I would agree that there are other quality places in Cedar Falls. Our daughter received wonderful care for 2 other providers. Unfortunately, both have closed. Just like the CDC, most other quality places have long waiting lists. So far, I've inquired at 5 locations that have been recommended to my family and none have openings for infants. I've also used the on-line referral service and could not find any openings in Cedar Falls for the times I needed for 2 children. We love the CDC's care, quality, convenience and staff. That's why this has been such a difficult time in our lives. Right now, if our infant does not attend, it looks like we'll be using a provider in Hudson. That will be a difference of a 2 mile drive that is on our way to work at the university to a 20-mile round-trip drive everyday.
ReplyDeleteSo apparently the provost is too busy to deal with this PRESSING SERIOUS ISSUE that has SEVERAL PARENTS CONCERNED?!?!?!? Wouldn't any other person have to stop everything they are doing to "SATISFY the CUSTOMER"???????
ReplyDeleteWe all have busy lives, Ms. Provost! We are making this a priority in our lives because we care about the UNI CDC, do you care about the early childhood education program and the issues that parents of children attending the UNI CDC are facing? I agree with anonymous from 11:33pm 4/28/11 - we are customers of UNI, take time for us, please.
ReplyDeleteJust got done talking to a family from the UNI CDC who has searched all day for another place for their one child. There is nothing available in the Cedar Valley that doesn't have a waiting list of 1 1/2 years long. One of them may either quit their job or the other may quit school at another college to stay at home with their child. How is this helping our families? It is not helping them grow by any means, it is making some of these families who have come far and been through a lot and conquered those difficulties take 100 steps backwards! Where will these families go that may get displaced? These parents need answers and they need answers NOW.
ReplyDeleteWell it looks to me like we need to go to the media!!! I think that everyone needs to be made aware of what is going on at the University of Northern Iowa's Child Development Center because it will affect students looking at coming to the University and faculty and staff who are thinking of coming to UNI.
ReplyDeleteThe parents have spoken!! I totally agree going to media. The administrators aren't being honest here and they keep ignoring the concerns of the parents! Honestly, just tell us you want the CDC rooms. Period. Please don't keep making up excuses about the PLS and fire codes. You're wasting everyone's time here. I also would like to point out that parents are also very busy, not just the UNI administrators. Who aren't busy these days?! This is a very urgent matter, and they had their 3 weeks already. They did nothing, only excuse after excuse. How much longer do we still have to wait?! We are tired of this waiting game.
ReplyDeleteFor those who support going to the media, what do you propose that the story would be? There is no way to make a case that will keep the CDC in a positive light, regarding concerns about our financial issues, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe story is:
ReplyDelete- not about ourselves
- not about our own children
- not about our jobs or positions
- not about our self-interests
- not about our own ego
- not about keeping/taking away one/two rooms...
the story is:
- about our education
- about promoting diversity
- about supporting UNI students
- about supporting working families
- about critical early childhood opportunities
- about preschool programs for disadvantaged children
- about children developing the critical social
and cognitive skills needed to be ready to start school
IT IS ABOUT OUR FUTURE!
Children are our most valuable natural resource.
I am sorry...we can't even take care of our own children.
No wonder why everything is now Made in China. May be we should start shipping our children to China...may be they would have enough spaces over there if we don't.
WAKE UP AMERICA!
"For those who support going to the media, what do you propose that the story would be? There is no way to make a case that will keep the CDC in a positive light, regarding concerns about our financial issues, etc."
ReplyDeleteActually, in addition to the many great stories you see on this blog we can highlight the financial issues as yet another positive for the CDC (i.e. no current criminal investigations or court cases). Thanks for the helpful and supportive suggestion, though.
to Anonymous April 29, 2011 9:31 AM
ReplyDeleteYes, there are concerns about our financial issues. Of course, there are. Let's talk about these issues:
1) CDC is underfunded and 2) Teachers are underpaid.
It is embarrassing to even mention how much these wonderful CDC teachers, most of them are UNI grads, actually get paid each month. Would this be a good enough story?
If this is not good enough, I also want the Media to ask why UNI would put a nationally recognized early childhood education program in the basement of a 52 years old building.
to media:
ReplyDelete"Displaced families and underpaid child development teachers flight to save a nationally recognized early childhood education program at UNI"
I know the stress that many of you are feeling-however I feel that we are losing touch of what is important here: the children. Getting angry, name calling, and demoralizing Candice, Lyn, and the Dean are not appropriate. The CDC teaches the children to treat each other with respect and I think we need to keep this in mind as we all work together to come up with a solution that is best for all!
ReplyDeleteI am glad that others are finally writing on here. We have the freedom of speech and that includes blogging, writing emails to administrators, and speaking up for our children! Keep fighting for what we believe in! I will.
ReplyDeleteSo is it true that there really isn't "LEGISLATIVE MANDATES" that require that PLS or R&D School take over CDC classrooms? Was this just another excuse to take the rooms back? I think as parents we are getting really tired of hearing erroneous information but it sounds like there has been no erroneous information from Candice York, it has all come from upper administration as excuses. We don't want to hear anymore excuses, Dean Watson!
ReplyDeleteSince Provost Gibson said that she's "busy" could we send the same letter on to President Allen and see if we get an answer from him?
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with CDC Advocate! We have waited way to long for this!
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Since Provost Gibson is unavailable to address the concerns raised or provide the oversight needed, President Allen should be briefed on the situation and have an opportunity to respond. Dean Watson said he needed time and cited mid-April as his timeline during the meeting with parents on April 5. The end of April and the semester are upon us, and we still don't know whether our children can continue to attend the UNI Child Development Center.
ReplyDeleteWow, I can't believe some of the things I am reading on this blog, particularly one staff in partucular. To say there are no quality centers in the area is just a bunch of nonsense. There are others centers that have accreditations and are considered to have quality programs. I wonder how these other centers would feel if they knew all the trash talk that has been going on about them from parents and staff of the cdc. To say that all the other centers in the area do, is "babysit" is so far from the truth. And I know personally 2 families that used to go to the cdc that left there because they were not happy with the center. I think that you are all just to full of yourselves and have not really took the time to investigate other options. I wish the media would get involved. I bet they would have alot to say about all the negative things you have been saying about our community. AND I have worked in the childcare business all my life so don't go and say I don't know what I am talking about, LISA.
ReplyDeleteI do think we need to be careful this does not get personal but focuses on the concerns about current and future students attending the CDC. Many of us have discussed other quality programs/providers and cite the same long waiting list as the CDC. If individuals know of other options that they'd recommend, it could be helpful to post on the blog. I am searching for other options but have called numerous places/individuals that have been recommended and have not found any openings. In my mind, the variety of services offered and preferences of parents should be a determining factor so I'd hope if people post about openings and each person would make their own decisions. As a previous person mentioned, we must continue to demonstrate the same respect for each other that the teachers of the CDC are trying to teach our children. For those of us who have children currently attending, most of us would prefer to have them attend next year. If changes are made for sure, we need other options. My main concern is the timeline for final notification. The one potential provider we have found lives out of town so we don't want to move our children unless absolutely necessary but they won't let us stall for too long.
ReplyDeleteI agree that time is of the essence. Obviously we are all biased! We like the place and our kids are thriving in the CDC environment. There are not many places in Cedarloo for infants and the CDC is a nationally accredited institution. Why the push to decrease the size? Do we need someone from the business college to help the college of education do the math?
ReplyDeleteI agree that none of us want to lose what we have at the UNI Child Development Center. There have been questions and I thought I'd try and provide information.
ReplyDeleteBased on a search NAEYC accredited programs within a 20 mile radius of Cedar Falls, there are 10 programs.
Of the 10, one is the UNI CDC, one is the Hawkeye CDC (not open to the public to my knowledge), six Head Start/Preschool programs within the Waterloo Schools and Community United Child Care Centers (3 locations) www.cuccc.org.
As for the QRS rating system, the Hawkeye CDC and UNI CDC are the only two in Black Hawk county to be rated a 5. There are several that are a 4 including Community United, A to Z, and Small World Preschool.
The list of QRS Home and Center providers can be found here: http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/iqrs/qrs_providers/index.html
And to find NAEYC accredited programs you can search here: http://www.naeyc.org/academy/accreditation/search
Please remember what Anonymous, April 29, 2011 2:36 PM said...
ReplyDelete"I know the stress that many of you are feeling-however I feel that we are losing touch of what is important here: the children. Getting angry, name calling, and demoralizing Candice, Lyn, and the Dean are not appropriate. The CDC teaches the children to treat each other with respect and I think we need to keep this in mind as we all work together to come up with a solution that is best for all!"
Philippians 2: 1-4
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
And I understand not everyone believes the same things I do; I am merely voicing what seemed fitting in my mind to remind everyone to take a deep breath and keep our minds focused on the goal we are trying to achieve here, which is for the CDC to remain with 6 classrooms with all currently enrolled children having their space without having to displace anyone!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.uni.edu/coe/about/administration/dr-dwight-c-watson/blog-page/dr-watsons-blog/research-development-education-sum
ReplyDeleteTime is of the essential issue. That is why, we as parents request for a meeting with provost and answers from administrators as soon as possible! If the administrators just want to take some CDC rooms and downsize it, then tell us so straightly!
ReplyDeleteGood quality cares all have long waiting list, just like UNI CDC. As a faculty, I cannot understand why the university could not understand what the good quailty care means to working parents. Only good quality care makes it possible for working parents (especially working moms) to devote themselves to the work.
This wait for an answer from "above" is devastating and nerve-wracking!!! Please just tell us that all CDC classrooms are safe and the children will have a place to grow, develop, and learn without fear of being tossed out!! Tell us that parents who have spent upwards of two years (sometimes more) on a waiting list just to get their children in are able to still have a spot for their children to continue at the CDC. Help parents work more efficiently and effectively without the uncertainty of quality childcare at UNI.
ReplyDeleteDean Watson, Provost Gibson, President Allen - PLEASE give us an answer!!
I am so tired of waiting for an answer from this Dean Watson and Lyn Countryman! Why isn't the provost or president being proactive in this mess??????????????????
ReplyDeleteI feel ignored as a customer and alumni of UNI from Dwight Watson, Lyn Countryman, the Provost, and the President!!!!!!!!!!!!
We should not have to wait this long to find out if we need other childcare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Any update about the meeting with the Provost?
ReplyDeleteReally appreciate all the hard work of the three CDC parents representives! Thank you so much for your effort and time!
It would be nice to have an update on here, please. I don't understand why we don't have answers yet!
ReplyDeletePlease observe the correspondence tab for the updates. The latest one is from the Dean Watson. It is not what we all would like to hear but it is all we have right now...
ReplyDeleteFYI, Community United Childcare Centers at Westridge and Valley Park have lost their NAEYC accreditation.
ReplyDeleteYeah, duct taping children's feet to their shoes. That's quality care.
ReplyDeleteParent reps,
ReplyDeletewhat is our next step? We still do not have a solid answer do we? It seems as though the dean is not acting professional with us, why are we made to wait so many months for an answer on this issue?! As I was dropping off my child last week, I observed Lyn Countryman walking around the CDC with an inspector or fire marshall - why was this being done another time and why just with Dr. Countryman? I am appalled as both a parent of a child at the CDC and as a student at the university how long the administration of both the College of Education and the University in general is taking so long to come up with a solution!! We need to push forward - maybe it is time to go to the media with this nonsense.
OMG Anonymous, May 23rd 12:53am, duct taping children!?!?!? That is so wrong!! I know many times my own child refused to wear shoes at the CDC and the fantastic staff allowed that to happen while indoors. Again, another reason, CDC is so great!!!
ReplyDeleteParents, please observe the latest e-mail to Dean Watson in response to the message from Candice York (see her message posted as a comment at the bottom of the correspondence tab)
ReplyDeleteParents,
ReplyDeleteAfter what many of you have expressed has been a long wait, Dean
Watson has agreed to meet with us. That meeting will occur tomorrow,
Thursday, May 26 at 4:45 PM in the 2-3 classroom. Due to the short
notice, the location is somewhat tentative. We will notify you if
there is a room change, though know that we won't move beyond the
Price Lab School building.
We hope to see you there!
Well it’s about time he will give us an answer!!! I’m kind of appalled by his response to the e-mail that the policy board sent him. The policy board has been nothing but respectful to him and in return all they/we get back is no answers and an e-mail that said, “it is time for him to talk to the parents again”? Really? If anyone should be upset with the situation it should be us – the parents!!! We are the ones that have not gotten any answers. It seems to me that Dean Watson doesn’t really care about the CDC, his agenda is all about the R&D school! I think that has all came up because of the R&D school, so maybe he should relocate the CDC! That would solve both the CDC’s and the R&D’s problems.
ReplyDeleteLet's not get in such a huff and puff over this, we get to hear him out tomorrow. Yes, it's been 50 long days but at least hopefully we will have answers tomorrow. I think the worst thing is not knowing what will happen to our center. I am glad that he has finally agreed to come talk to all of us as a group and not just a few of us or the director or the interim of the lab school - he finally will face all of us and tell us what is going on is my only hope for this!
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the logical solution for everyone would be to keep everything as it is for the upcoming school year and provide whatever changes the Dean wants to have made/put them in place for the FOLLOWING year so that no is displaced with such little time to find quality childcare. That way a plan can be put in place for both the R&D and the CDC as to what is expected (whether that means changes or not).
ReplyDeleteThis whole waiting to have an official answer in June is ridiculous....the fire marshal has already been through and my understanding is that as far as compliance goes no matter if people move or not both programs would still be out of compliance. If the R&D truly needs to expand there are two rooms on the same level as their current Pre-K classrooms that could be utilized for their needs for a Pre-K classroom and a university classroom/meeting room. There appears to be no viable reason for R&D to require any of the space the CDC currently occupies!!
Has there been any update?? The last post was a meeting with Watson 2 weeks ago...
ReplyDeleteWhatever happened to taking this to the media?? This whole process has been a disappointment!
ReplyDeleteI don't think that going to the media is the answer. I believe that the negative light that the university receives would impact further decisions made about the CDC. We can only hope that the Dean makes a decision that is positive for all involved and that he treats both the R&D school and the CDC programs and employees with EQUAL RESPECT, as we are ALL PROFESSIONALS dedicated to the education of the children and field experience students of the university community.
ReplyDeleteSo that's it, that's all we get huh? 5 classrooms and no alumni?????? No community parents/children - can anybody say DIVERSITY?!?!?!?!? I hate it when people of authority think they can do whatever they damn well please to whomever they damn well please!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to option2?
ReplyDeleteFor people who missed the meeting on may 26,
ReplyDeleteThe dean gave us three options :
Option #1. 5 classrooms:
variation A) non UNI people have to go, new people from the waiting list can be admitted, PLS will take over one room
variation B) non UNI people stay, no one from the waiting list can be admitted, PLS will have one more room
Option #2. 6 Classrooms and maintaining status quo, PLS will utilize the UNI classroom and loose their conference room
Option #3. 6 Classrooms - 5 classrooms plus staff office converted to the infant room, PLS will take over one room
The CDC will no longer serve the typical number of children with only 5 rooms. What about the two teachers working in that sixth room? Do they lose their jobs? I am definitely disappointed that option two wasn't chosen. Move the university students and not the children. Help both programs instead of favoring one over the other! Why couldn't that teaching room become a classroom again? I'd like to hear the reasoning please.
ReplyDeleteI heard that PLS has not only taken a room from the CDC but is also acquiring a room that is upstairs that is a UNI college classroom as well as some other rooms as they are expanding the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades as well as Pre-K and Kindergarten rooms. So to some of us parents, there seems like there might be some favoritism going on here! Why is it, Dean Watson, that PLS gets to acquire so many rooms and the CDC cannot even keep what it already has??!!
ReplyDeleteWhat will happen to 2 teachers if we are moving to 5 rooms!!
ReplyDeleteWill anything else change? Quality? Number of staff? anything?
What about the money the CDC is losing from the income that the 6th room brought in of 20 kids? How can the Dean justify taking that income away from the CDC which he says isn't financially sound? He is taking more money away from that budget!
ReplyDeleteDoes Dean Watson really get the final word on this mess of a situation? I feel that we should be able to go above and over him to rally against this decision. This is not fair for many. . . the children, the student staff, the teachers, Candice who has tried so hard for so many years to grow our wonderful CDC program, and it also isn't fair for early childhood education and us faculty on the hill that have fought so hard and worked so hard to help the CDC grow and be what it is today. We want the CDC to be the expert on ECE and it is but by taking rooms away makes it hard to grow and show people we are the best in ECE!! Dean Watson, who do you think you are making these decisions that affect so many people?! Hearing that PLS has received so many more rooms and that it wasn't just over this one room for them anymore seems like someone is being selfish and hoarding rooms. . . for God's sake, did you really need to give them one more room and especially one more room from the CDC? It just doesn't make any sense to some of us up here in Schindler!! We are sorry for your loss, CDC. Please know that some of us up here on the hill support you 110%!!
ReplyDeleteIn April, the dean said that it was his job to take his time and do a well thought out thorough investigation in order to make a decision. After waiting, he has announced his decision. Yet he has not provided any documentation or reasoning behind the decision. Why was option 1 chosen? Why wasn't option 2 chosen? Even if he may disagree, he should provide an explanation to everyone. A leader has that responsibility.
ReplyDeleteJune 17 @ 1007pm- if this is true then PLS basically took away option 2 from the CDC. How many rooms do they need? Why were we presented with that option? I agree with this showing favoritism of one over the other. PLS grows and CDC shrinks!
ReplyDeleteI would like to send another round of letters (constructively) to the head people in order for them to answer us directly (even though I do not, honestly, expect an answer from them, as they have not shown the thoughtfulness to do so previously).
ReplyDeleteThis administration, this Dean, decided long ago it would take space away from the CDC in order to fulfill its goals for the lab school. The so called "option 2" and other such dog & pony shows were only distractions designed to delay, delay, delay. They hoped that if they could stretch this situation out into the summer that attention would be diverted, the noise level would fade, and they could pretend they had made an informed decision. The lack of explanations & lack of real evidence or facts, and the ongoing refusal of Provost Gibson to actually commit to a meeting to hear parents' concerns demonstrates their motives. Actions speak louder than words. I am deeply disappointed with this Dean and others on a personal level, and the whole situation has, unfortunately, soured me on the university. You don't treat people this way.
ReplyDeleteAMEN ro Anonymous, 6/21 @ 628AM! Unfortunately, we are also beginning to lose parents and children because of the Dean's poor decision! Provost Gibson - ARE YOU LISTENING YET?????????? President Allen - HOW ABOUT YOU?????????????????
ReplyDeleteI know several of my friends who I have made as a parent through the CDC are leaving because of how the CDC is being treated by the administration of this university, it also affects me and makes me saddened. However, my situation will not allow me to leave because of my funding I am receiving and being a UNI student. This is getting out though because more and more people at my work in Waterloo know about the situation and I haven't said a word, but I am constantly being asked about it. I have pointed them to the blog if they ask :)
If you are hoping that Provost Gibson will suddenly become interested in the institutional knowledge and personal views of key stakeholders, then good luck! This is standard operating procedure in a tenure that is only remarkable for the large amount of ill will that has been generated across campus in such a short amount of time.
ReplyDeleteI am sorely disappointed with the decision to take away a classroom. Dean Watson *SAID* that nothing would change and now he has gone back on his word even though there is no strong evidence that this is the RIGHT decision!!!! Is there ANYTHING being done in retaliation??? He LIED to EVERYONE!
ReplyDeleteHow can the university and the College of Education stand by their mission of "Students First" when you are removing a resource for them?? This goes against SOOO much of the mission and vision for the College of Ed that the Dean has set in place. Go view what he's put in place and understand that this decision is contradictory to what he says he believes.
http://www.uni.edu/coe/about/strategic-plan/coe-goals
I am literally disgusted with this leadership...ugh
The dean, lyn and nadene justify their decision by stating it maintains current children and allows some off the waiting list. It may allow a small number but overall their decision greatly impacts the CDC. Two teachers who work in the 6th room, 18 children who would be enrolled in that room, supplies and curriculum materials from that room have to be spread out in an already crowded environment are a few things to think about. The CDC cannot turn their office into another classroom! Where would they have a break from the room? And more importantly, they need space for office supplies, files, etc. If leadership is the main concern then work on those issues. Do not punish the families, children and teachers! Give the director some help, an office person would be highly beneficial. Doesn't sound like the options the dean presented were really ever options! PLS needed space and they get priority.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though upper management's feelings towards the CDC leadership may have played a role in their decision. Fix those issues please without cutting a classroom.
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious by all the support and long waiting list that the CDC is a program NOT to diminish, shrink or change BUT a program to grow and flourish to meet the needs of families, children, field experience students and more. At the very least, keep it at it's current capacity. There must be a way to meet the needs of both the CDC and the lab school. If not, let us know. Show us the documentation- research, facts, justification behind the decision. That should be provided to the CDC families, employees and supporters!
ReplyDeleteThe Dean has "leadership concerns." Finally, we agree!
ReplyDeleteIt is rich for the Dean to dismiss the parents' "anecdotes" when he fails repeatedly to provide a coherent explanation for his decisions. Now it is a strategic initiative to increase PLS enrollment ... and/or perhaps leadership problems at the CDC. The fire marshall - never mind. Oh, we are shrinking the CDC from six to five rooms because "we do not want to grow the program." Awesome.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am disappointed in the outcome of this "process" I cannot say I am surprised. President Allen has proven to be a meek, inarticulate leader - the budget expert who loses contract disputes because the budgetary facts are not on his side. Provost Gibson - a great model for opaqueness and noncollaboration that I am sure the Dean was able to draw upon - her dodge (publicly, at least) of this issue will be surprising to few.
Thus, it fell to Dean Watson to deal with the angry advocates of one his college's own programs. Although I am sure Dean Watson is a very able scholar, it is hard to understand how someone that is unable to hide his condescending attitudes toward parents, community members and staff, is nonetheless considered qualified for a position of leadership that requires at least some ability to work with people and manage inevitable conflicts ... successfully.
When he was hired, the dean promised to "hit the ground listening." Perhaps in this instance the dean technically has listened, albeit with obvious reluctance at times. His dismissal of alternative perspectives as "anecdotes" says it all about the actuality of the so-called listening that took place these past months and that one might expect in the future.
If the Dean believes there are leadership issues with the CDC, why doesn't he do something about that?? Downsizing the amount of classrooms and children/students/etc. served is NOT going to fix a leadership problem!
ReplyDeleteDean Watson's latest reply is troubling but not surprising--he is sticking to his plan. He attempts to diminish very real and demonstrable concerns expressed by parents and staff as simply "anecdotal" while his administration has yet to present any actual evidence or facts to justify the decisions made. He suggests that now is not the time to "grow" the CDC which is just rhetorically manipulative--as if maintaining the current six classrooms would "grow" the program. He continues to publicly throw Director York under the bus, which is unprofessional at best considering he has yet to correct *any* so called "erroneous" information which he has insisted she transmitted to parents.
ReplyDeleteThe bottom line is Dean Watson has not kept his word. On April 5 (see correspondence tab), he wrote to the CDC parents: "Be assured, that we will not be eliminating 24 students and all classrooms will be utilized to accomodate [sic] our current capacity." How's that? It's simply not consistent with his recent decision making.
I agree! Maintaining the 6 classrooms is not growing the program. Why can't it stay the same?
ReplyDeleteAnd if he is going to take space away, why hasn't he answered the question of providing alternative space, as the policy board reps have asked in every communication with him??
It seems he avoids A LOT of the questions that have been asked of him. Not a very effective way of communicating, Dean Watson.
The CDC has had 6 classrooms for the past 4 years! Keeping 6 maintains current capacity- not growing the program. Yes, provide answers please! Cutting a classroom does not solve any leadership problems. It only hurts the families and children served and the wonderful teachers! PLS is equally important and should not be placed as a higher priority over the CDC.
ReplyDeleteI just heard that PLS is taking room 102. Room 101 is moving downstairs so why make another move? Why have room 102 move right next door when the rooms are identical mirror images of each other? Does PLS want the front of the building? So making an unnecessary move is acceptable? PLS is not a big brother but seems to be a big bully of the CDC! This decision is ridiculous and inconsiderate.
ReplyDeleteAnnonymous 7/18/11 at 10:35 am I agree with you! That is ridiculous! It sure feels like Lyn Countryman, Nadene Davidson, and Dwight Watson truly like being bullies!!!! This is obvious that the CDC has no voice here on UNI campus, it truly is discrimination!!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 7/18/11 at 10:35 am....That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Are you kidding me? Why make those teachers move everything? Ugghh, this is so frustrating. I would like the Dean to answer why it is important that PLS take over 102. Wait, he already said he does not have to answer to parents. Forgot that!
ReplyDeleteyes, we are having to move everything from room 102 to 101 and everything from 101 to room 10 and everything from room 10 to room 9. It's a bunch of patoohey to just make CDC teachers come in and move all their rooms and offices on their time off and nope, we aren't even getting paid to do it! Lyn Countryman seems to rule the roost around this place unfortunately!
ReplyDeleteYou might want to check with the Physical Plant about moving all that stuff. You might be breaking some sort of union rule by moving it yourself. Seriously. It is not the teachers job to be lifting/moving heavy objects, besides my kids of course!
ReplyDeleteThey are going to waste unnecessary time and university resources for this? I have been in both classrooms and as far as I can see they are identical except one loft is a bit larger....dumb decision. Why spend the time and money? Why can't they be satisfied that they got one room?
ReplyDeleteThis has currently, as of now, changed. Lyn Countryman met with Nadene Davidson and they decided to leave the 4-5 Room where it is. This will change only the following rooms: 3-4's will move down to current 2-3 Room. 2-3's will move to current Totter's Room. The Infants will be a birth-15 month room in the current Infant Room and the Toddler's will be a 15-30 month room in the current Teeter's Room.
ReplyDeleteI hope it stays this way, and does not diminish further.
I would like to take time to thank all the parents on the advisory board - Magda, Robin, Jason, and Jill - THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE! Also a big thanks to Candice York for doing all you could do to help the CDC stay what you and Jill Uhlenberg have made it to be, we are sincerely sorry after many, many years of having our children go through the center that it has to be what it is. I also want to say thank you to Lisa Orsborn for all she has done for our family. She has really stepped up and done some great things for the UNI CDC and the families it serves - good luck to you, Lisa as you are forced to move on. As parents of children in the school age program, we also want to let Alena know that we have been grateful for her and the staff of the program for caring so much and having fun with the kids! Good luck in Cedar Rapids! Also to Heather, we have been blessed to have you be a part of our lives. We have enjoyed the joy that you have had with our child. You are truly an asset that the CDC is losing also due to unnecessary cuts caused by administration that has no clue who they are losing when it comes to these folks!! Best to you, Heather as you move on from UNI. It is sad to see these women move on as they are much needed and wanted at our center - it is what it is - but we thought it was necessary that they be mentioned on here as a bon voyage! Good luck, ladies and thanks again to all of you who have supported the CDC through all your hardwork.
ReplyDeleteDid you all realize that Candice is out on FMLA due to serious health problems? I am very appalled at how she has been treated this year. No wonder she can't get better. I certainly hope that she is able to return to the CDC very soon. Get well Candice. You are missed a lot!
ReplyDeleteYes, Candice we are all thinking of you! May Dean Watson, Nadene Davidson, and Lyn Countryman come to realize the stress they have put on you has affected your health! Shame on all three of you for being so cruel and demeaning as well as your lack of compassion and mistreatment of a human being and not just a human being, a woman who has been a very strong, motivational, independent, and hardworking career oriented individual with a passion for early childhood. She is THEE EXPERT here, it doesn't matter about the stupid chain of command - she is and always will be the go to person for the CDC in our minds! Candice has worked hard to make the CDC what it is, don't make it blow up in your face while she is on FMLA because we, as parents will know who to blame, Lyn Countryman!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSeems that all of this has been for nothing. What was really accomplished? The CDC has been compromised, the quality of the program will be compromised, and the staff morale has certainly been compromised. Are we done fighting for what we believed in? It is a sad ending to the CDC saga. I am one disappointed parent. Are there others?
ReplyDeleteI am with you. I feel ignored. The great program has been compromised. Ironically, here is the quote from the Ben Allen's budget update: "They [the Board of Regents] also encouraged us to focus on our strengths and continue to grow our role as a leader in pre-K through 12 education issues locally, regionally and nationally."
ReplyDeleteWhat is even more disappointing and a kick in the ass after all we went through: there are about 6, yes 6, children in the displaced CDC room that is being used for Price Lab pre-school.
ReplyDeletePresident Allen's office: 464 sq ft
ReplyDeleteProvost Gibson's office: 380 sq ft
Dean Watson's office: 421 sq ft
Classroom space for 17 kids + teachers in the "3-4" room: 723 sq ft
Don't even get me started on the salaries ...
It's like you don't know what you have till it's taken away from you. Then it only seems worse when you see how what was taken away and the impact on the children, CDC P&S staff, parents, UNI students, UNI field experience, and so much more. It's an utter shame. They don't care what they they have done.
ReplyDeleteAre any of you realizing if MPLS closes so will the CDC?!?!?!? What do we need to do to keep this from happening????
ReplyDeleteHas there been any information shared with the staff of the CDC? Based on what I've read by PLS staff and parents not much information has been provided but there are a lot of rumors. Feels like a similar situation to what the CDC went through last year. Is the CDC parent advisory board still meeting? Do the interim directors meet with Lyn to discuss concerns? Of course, this is part of the climate across campus with all the uncertainty.
ReplyDeleteI have heard from CDC teachers that they know nothing either. Also that they do discuss things with Lyn but really she isn't involved much with them and really just micro-manages by making sure she is on all communication that goes out, etc. Yes, the Parent Advisory Board is still talking and some of us will be attending the school meeting tomorrow at 530pm. Anybody concerned for CDC as well as PLS should attend this important meeting from the President, Provost, and Dean. Hope to see many supporters there!
ReplyDeleteThe CDC was not mentioned in President Allen's release at all. Let's not jump to conclusions before we know all the details.
ReplyDeleteLooks like CDC will be relocated. The Question is where? Will we be able to meet all the requirements and keep all the licenses?
ReplyDeleteThe deficit report on this website is shoddy work done with an agenda. It incorrectly applies the term deficit to any money provided through the state and tuition to any fundsnot used for direct instruction. By this logic infrstructure is a deficit.
ReplyDeleteThe truth is the use of those funds is decided by the University and approved by the Board of Regents. Therefore, if those units recieve general funds as planned(usually for support of the core academic mission)and earn the rest of their revenues (a huge majority of their budgets) and break even they are not running a deficit. The provinvincial definition of the University put forward by the faculty union is knowingly untrue and build on faulty logic. This kind of extremism precludes dialogue and allows faculty members to be seen as radicals, unrooted in the real world.