Potential closure of MCC

I am writing to express my concerns for an agenda item for today's council meeting relating to the potential closure of MCC. I am a parent of a child currently in the program. My main concerns include the following: 1) There has been no indication so far of potential closure. 5 days ago, we received an email from MCC to fill a survey relating to "reactivation" of the program. The lack of transparency and miscommunication relating to the proposal is concerning. As main stakeholders i.e. residents who use the facility, we had not received any sort of communication on this agenda item or given any opportunity to provide feedback. No consideration has been given to the children currently in the program, the children waitlisted, the parents of those children or the members of staff. 2) The purported reason for closure relates to the financial cost of running the program. It is unclear based on looking at the agenda documents where the numbers come from and whether the anticipated costs are specific to Covid-19 or not. I would appreciate more clarity on where the overruns are coming from so stakeholders have a full view of the main drivers of cost inefficiencies. 3) If the reason for closure relates to the financial cost, I understand there is a resident tuition and a non-resident tuition. The non-resident tuition should reflect the non-subsidized/true cost of the program. Why are parents not provided an option to pay higher rates to keep their children in the program? Also there is a waitlist for the program and very high demand for childcare services in Menlo Park. Are there no other alternatives to make the program cost-effective? 4) If the financial issue are specific to Covid-19 and the temporary reduction in tuition, is it not possible to check if parents are willing to pay certain retention fees to ensure the program can continue to run. Also, is it not possible to provide temporary childcare to essential workers in our community during this time when such services are much needed so there continue to be revenues for the program? 5) My biggest concern is the layoff of the teachers and staff members. Many of these members have been part of the MCC family for many years dedicating their lives to the development of children. Putting them out of work permanently at such times of uncertainty without consideration of options to keep the program running is simply insensitive to what is happening around the community. I hope my concerns will considered at your meeting. I am happy to further discuss and elaborate on the above. I understand it is not easy for the city to run a childcare facility. However, just because it's not easy does not mean it's not worth doing and does not provide immeasurable value to the youngest within our community. Best regards, Carol Wong Received on Tue May 12 2020 - 14:06:52 PDT