Corning Community College to close child care center

Corning Community College students who have relied on the campus child care center to care for their children while they were in class will have to find new alternatives.

College officials announced that after serving the campus community for more than 30 years, the child care center will not reopen for the fall 2015 semester.

The decision was made by the Faculty Student Association Board at its most recent meeting, after a multi-year study that investigated different service options, usage from the CCC community, costs, and possible funding sources, including grants and private donations.

Analysis of the data led the 10-member board to the unanimous decision that the only responsible option for everyone involved was to help people transition to another service provider.

"This was a very difficult — and often times heart-wrenching — decision for everyone at the college," Corning Community College President Katherine P. Douglas said in a news release. "We understand CCC students and employees need trustworthy and reliable childcare options, and we commit ourselves to work with each and every parent to help them find care options so they can continue to pursue their studies at CCC."

The college will do everything it can to provide a smooth transition to alternative care for student-parents who plan to attend CCC after the end of the spring semester, Douglas said.

Follow Jeff Murray on Twitter @SGJeffMurray.