Early Childhood Development Center Renovation

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/01/25/columbus-state-new-campus-childcare-center.html Jan 25, 2023 Columbus State Community College is ready to begin construction of a $3.5 million childcare center, a little more than year after initially teasing the project. "This is one of the first projects out of the gate as part of our $300 million bond issue supported by Franklin County voters," Rebecca Butler, Columbus State executive vice president, told Columbus Business First. "The primary reason this (is a priority)... was because we know not only through our own students but (also) what the neighborhood and community are experiencing, access to childcare is in crisis in our community. We wanted to be part of the solution for that." The childcare industry has been facing challenges for some time, with the pandemic magnifying the problem. During the last two years, Central Ohio lost 261 of 1,220 childcare programs -- more than one in five, according to a November report from Action for Children. Problems with childcare access are being amplified by rising tuition costs. The number of Central Ohio providers who have had to raise tuition increased from 37% in 2021 to 55% in 2022. "The college's investment recognizes the childcare crisis our community is facing as pandemic challenges have contributed to a high center closure rate and diminishing potential worker pipeline," Terrence Brown, Columbus State's health and human services dean, said in a news release. "It was a perfect moment for us to be part of the solution for the students and the community," Butler said. "We know that it is significant for our students so they can ensure they have high-quality childcare so they can pursue their dreams for their education and for their careers." The on-campus presence of the childcare center, receiving direction and expertise from the college's educators, "will make a big difference in the lives of our student-parents, future child care professionals, and working families," Columbus State President David Harrison said in the release. "This is an important step within Columbus State's commitment to support increased equitable prosperity within our region," he said. The college's board is expected to approve the expenditure for construction this week. The childcare center will be located on the college's downtown campus, adjacent to the Center for Workforce Development building, near Grove Street and Cleveland Avenue. It will have the capacity for nearly 100 children of Columbus State students and employees, as well as other parents in the community. There will be six classrooms, two large multipurpose rooms and an outdoor play area. Columbus State will select a third party to run the center who will partner with the college's Early Childhood Development & Education program. Eligibility, pricing and enrollment details will be available once the third party is selected. Butler said the intent is for construction, managed by Barton Marlow Builders, to begin late this winter to early spring. Architecture firm SHP is the project designer. The center is expected to open in the fall. This won't be the first time Columbus State has operated a childcare center -- its last effort closed in 2013, due to financial constraints. But the college said the different approach this time around should alleviate those issues. "For the new center, Columbus State will use a master operator model that will enable the college to share our expertise in training the future local child care workforce, while an established independent partner will be responsible for operating the center," Brent Wilder, Columbus State strategic communications director, said in response to questions from Columbus Business First. _________________________________________________________________ Early Childhood Development Center Renovation The Work of Project is defined by the Contract Documents and consists of the following: 1. Work includes interior renovation and exterior improvements of the Early Childhood Development Center and other Work indicated in the Contract Documents.

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