CSPU6 Operations and Improvements
Donation protected
Community School for People under Six (CSPU6) is a licensed child care center in Carrboro, NC. The program was established in 1970 with a mission to provide high quality early care and education for all children, especially for low and moderate income families. With a multi-cultural, community-based philosphy, CSPU6 serves ages 2 months to 5 years olds and is licensed for 65 children. However, with our national accreditation by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs under the National Association for the Education of Young Children (naeyc), we maintain lower staff/child ratios and currently serve up to 51 children. CSPU6 serves a diverse and inclusive group of children who receive subsidized care (65%), scholarships (5%), Pre-K funds (15%) or whom direct tuition is paid by families (15%). We have a staff of 14 early educators who support the children and families and are committed to the the early care and education field.
Almost 5 years ago, CSPU6 was displaced after having to move because a new elementary school was slated to be built and was built on the property at its previous site that was county-owned. The program had been located at that site for over 30 years. CSPU6 had to move with no funds or location available. As a result of community support, we were able to secure a self-help loan, use operating funds of the program, and conduct small fundraisers to raise enough money to move forward with the renovation of a donated facility that we would lease for a minimal fee along with covering the cost for all maintenance of the building. This renovation supported an upgrade of 3 classrooms to 5, plus equipped the school with the appropriate office, adult and child bathrooms and environment inside the classroom, so that our school could continue to serve the community and meet licensing and accreditation standards; and not close its doors. Further, the center was faced with new expenses that it had not previously been required to cover, such as electrical, water and security.
Before we could open our doors, CSPU6 had to replace a water heater that cost over $10,000 in order to service the new renovation. This was unexpected cost because we had planned to use the old water heaters already in the building. This was followed by the fact that one week after opening our doors, the heating and air condition sytem that was also not a part of the renovation failed; and left the program with no funds to cover this $15,000 loss. For over a year, temporary systems were put in place, until a plan was worked out with our building owner to cover part of the cost while the difference was added as an increase lease cost. We were thankful for this help because we could not go through another winter with the same problem.
With over $200,000 in debt after the renovation so that we can continue to serve children and families, we were still challenged with the playground that needs major improvements to support greater outdoor learning experiences for our children. We have been fortunate to receive a $5,000 grant to begin this work; however, the cost to improve the playground is estimated at $25,000.
CSPU6 is seeking your help to raise $250,000 for business operations and improvements to continue our efforts to provide high quality care and education by maintaining our national accreditation that supports higher standards of quality for young children through developmentally appropriate practices, curricula and assessment; increased professional development and compensation for teachers and improved physical environment both indoors and outdoors. Your support will fortify a healthy and safe environment for children that meets the licensing and national standards that support early learning. To learn more about Community School for People under Six, please go to our website. www.cspu6.org.
Thank you for hearing our story. Our greatest story is about our young children and the preparation of their future for a brighter tomorrow! Thank you for your donation.
Almost 5 years ago, CSPU6 was displaced after having to move because a new elementary school was slated to be built and was built on the property at its previous site that was county-owned. The program had been located at that site for over 30 years. CSPU6 had to move with no funds or location available. As a result of community support, we were able to secure a self-help loan, use operating funds of the program, and conduct small fundraisers to raise enough money to move forward with the renovation of a donated facility that we would lease for a minimal fee along with covering the cost for all maintenance of the building. This renovation supported an upgrade of 3 classrooms to 5, plus equipped the school with the appropriate office, adult and child bathrooms and environment inside the classroom, so that our school could continue to serve the community and meet licensing and accreditation standards; and not close its doors. Further, the center was faced with new expenses that it had not previously been required to cover, such as electrical, water and security.
Before we could open our doors, CSPU6 had to replace a water heater that cost over $10,000 in order to service the new renovation. This was unexpected cost because we had planned to use the old water heaters already in the building. This was followed by the fact that one week after opening our doors, the heating and air condition sytem that was also not a part of the renovation failed; and left the program with no funds to cover this $15,000 loss. For over a year, temporary systems were put in place, until a plan was worked out with our building owner to cover part of the cost while the difference was added as an increase lease cost. We were thankful for this help because we could not go through another winter with the same problem.
With over $200,000 in debt after the renovation so that we can continue to serve children and families, we were still challenged with the playground that needs major improvements to support greater outdoor learning experiences for our children. We have been fortunate to receive a $5,000 grant to begin this work; however, the cost to improve the playground is estimated at $25,000.
CSPU6 is seeking your help to raise $250,000 for business operations and improvements to continue our efforts to provide high quality care and education by maintaining our national accreditation that supports higher standards of quality for young children through developmentally appropriate practices, curricula and assessment; increased professional development and compensation for teachers and improved physical environment both indoors and outdoors. Your support will fortify a healthy and safe environment for children that meets the licensing and national standards that support early learning. To learn more about Community School for People under Six, please go to our website. www.cspu6.org.
Thank you for hearing our story. Our greatest story is about our young children and the preparation of their future for a brighter tomorrow! Thank you for your donation.
Organizer
Anna Mercer-McLean
Organizer
Carrboro, NC
