The Colorado Department of Early Childhood continues its review of operations at the Chaffee Childcare Initiative’s childcare facility, The Schoolhouse in Poncha Springs.
CDEC’s assessment will determine when The Schoolhouse is eligible to reopen following their suspension of the facility’s license on January 25th. The CDEC, the state agency responsible for licensing of childcare centers across Colorado, will determine any corrective actions required for the facility, the conditions of operations, oversight of The Schoolhouse’s compliance with state childcare regulations, and its approval as a licensed childcare center. Neither the Chaffee County Department of Human Services (DHS) nor the County Commissioners or staff have the authority over the facility’s childcare licensing or approval to operate.
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Chaffee County Department of Human Services is supporting the CDEC and the Chaffee-county based Early Childhood Council (ECC) as they evaluate alternative options for childcare within other local childcare providers. CDEC is able to grant temporary expansions to increase the number of spaces a center is permitted to fill, which will increase childcare seats available in the community if these facilities are able and willing to accept additional children. DHS will help connect families impacted by The Schoolhouse closure with these childcare options as they are identified.
“We understand the difficulties and frustrations this whole situation has created for local families, and are doing all we can to reach out to other childcare centers here and help connect people with childcare resources in the community to meet their immediate needs. We want to support the process, the numerous organizations involved, and the individuals affected in all the ways that we’re able to,” shared DHS Director Monica Haskell.
Chaffee County DHS is also working with the members of the CCI Board of Directors to support steps required by the state in order for The Schoolhouse to be eligible to reopen. DHS is aiming to have its internal report completed today for CDEC then will invite a meeting with the CCI Board to review their recommendations. DHS continues to offer collaboration with each entity to seek resolution as soon as possible.
“DHS is trying to bridge communications between the state licensing agency, the childcare center, and The Schoolhouse Board of Directors, so that we are aligned in all our efforts to resolve this as quickly and positively as possible,” continued Haskell.
Families affected by The Schoolhouse closure can contact DHS at 719-530-2500 for additional information on childcare options.
Specific details on the current criminal charges against The Schoolhouse staff members cannot be addressed by DHS staff; questions pertaining to this topic should be directed to the District Attorney’s office.
