If you think the incoming freshmen look younger and younger every year, get ready for a shock. The youngest class in Fairfield’s history – a group of 36 infants, toddlers and preschoolers – is expected to join the University community beginning in the fall.
A permit submitted by the University to the Fairfield Town Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 2, proposing the building of an early learning center on the University’s grounds, has officially been approved.
This was the biggest “hurdle” in the process, according to University Senior Vice President William Weitzer, and although approval by the state traffic control has not been acquired yet, he expects the facility to be built and ready for occupancy by Aug. 1.
“This has been a five-year project involving many people and we’re happy to see it finally happening,” said Director of Human Resources Mark Guglielmoni.
Working parents at the University such as Christina Puttock, program assistant at the dean’s office of the School of Business, who commutes to Fairfield every day from Shelton, Conn., find the option of on an on-campus child care facility both comforting and convenient.
“It would be great to have him here,” she said of her nearly 1-year-old son Mateus who attends day care regularly. She hopes parents will have the opportunity to visit and play with their children during their lunch breaks.
The University has spent the past four years negotiating with Carousel Educational Services, Inc., which will manage the center, to make sure that “everything is perfect for parents and the University,” according to Joyce Abate, president of Carousel Educational Services, Inc.
“The University’s heart is in it,” Abate said of the efforts behind the project, of which she is “amazed.” She said the negotiations were “very well handled.”
The construction of the building, designed by the University’s former in-house designer, architect Mike Cusato, is planned to take 17 weeks and to be located near the PepsiCo Theater and Southwell Hall in the northwest corner of campus.
It will be designed within the regulations of both the planning committee and Carousel. The day care center will fit in with the architectural style found on and around Round Hill Road.
A $100 deposit is required with each child’s registration, along with a registration form and development history form. The weekly tuition for infants and toddlers is $295 per week; the preschool tuition is $265 per week. Prices for part-time child care will vary. There are 36 available openings, and registrations should be confirmed by April 9.
Two-way observation mirrors will be installed in the center, fulfilling the original plan to incorporate the curriculum of the University’s Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions (GSEAP) as well as that of undergraduate classes whose material relates to early childhood development.
The costs of the facility will be entirely funded by the University, while additional costs will be covered by enrollment fees. The costs of the facility will not affect students’ tuition.
Leave a Reply