Monday, July 21, 2008 Jacksonville, Fla.    

Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton announced Friday that Florida Community College at Jacksonville (College), in partnership with Chappell Child Development Centers, has agreed to take over management and operation of the Don Brewer Early Learning Center this fall.  This agreement must first be approved by the Jacksonville City Council and the College District Board of Trustees.

 

"We commend the College and Chappell for their stewardship and are excited by what the future holds for the Brewer Center," said Mayor Peyton.  "An educational institution that employs a variety of instructional professionals who possess vast early learning experiences is truly best suited for this role in our community.  The partnership will be true to the initial intent of the center by establishing it as a laboratory school with a strong focus on a high-quality education and the use of research-based strategies, materials, and tools to improve the outcomes of all children, but particularly those considered at-risk."

 

"Our children are our greatest asset and our future.  Therefore, it is essential that we invest in the center's future.  I humbly appreciate Mayor Peyton's leadership and demonstration of compassion by supporting this initiative.  The community spoke up and our Mayor heard their concerns," said Council Member Dr. Johnny Gaffney.  "I also wish to commend the College and Chappell Center for being good community and corporate citizens.  It is a great day for families and the community."

 

If approved, the Brewer Center will be operated by the College, which will contract with Chappell Schools, Inc., to provide child development services.  The City of Jacksonville will continue to provide building maintenance for the facility.   

 

"The College is enthusiastic about the opportunity to partner with the City to enhance early childhood education outcomes for the community," said Dr. Steve Wallace, president of the College.  "In response to that need, the College is developing a Bachelor in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and the Brewer Center will be an ideal location for a laboratory school in support of the program.  The College and Chappell currently work together in the operation of four highly successful on-campus childcare centers.  Chappell is a leader in quality childcare services and we are proud to partner with Chappell."

 

Programs and services will remain essentially the same, but parents and caregivers can expect a few enhancements. An early literacy and learning model curriculum will be offered in addition to specialized curriculum from Chappell.  The Florida Institute for Education will continue to provide research initiatives and the Crawford Foundation will offer music and healthy bodies programs. Additional enhancements may include summer camps, the development of grants for innovative early learning programs, computer instruction, and the use of skilled student interns enrolled in the College's associate and bachelor degree education programs.

 

The College will also identify and implement nationally-recognized best practices, build community-based partnerships and create professional development opportunities for staff, faculty and parents.  Chappell offers students, parents, and extended families many special features including but not limited to: foreign language, an emphasis on art and music appreciation programs, summer camp and physical education.

 

Parents of students who currently attend the center were informed of the pending transition on Thursday as they picked up their child(ren).  A question and answer session for parents with Council Member Dr. Johnny Gaffney, and representatives of the College, Chappell and the Mayor's Office will be held on Thursday, July 24 at 1 p.m. at the center.

 

Fall 2008 registration for current and new students will begin on-site on Aug. 4.  Class sizes will remain the same and the center will accept infants age six-weeks to pre-kindergarten 4-year-olds and will include Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK).  Tuition will range from $131 to $161 per week and a tuition assistance program for qualifying parents will be instituted. 

 

The center will also have a Community Advisory Council made up of parents, community leaders, practitioners and representatives from appropriate early-learning organizations, which will act as an advisory group to the center providing recommendations to the College and Chappell to facilitate effectiveness and student learning outcomes.  Toni Crawford has been asked to chair the council's inaugural year. 

 

Chappell will accept applications for employment and interview staff members who want to stay with the center beginning Aug. 4.

 

The legislation will be introduced to City Council on Tuesday, July 22.