Negotiations to extend the university’s financial support for the Early Learning Center came to a head Wednesday evening as the decision was made to continue subsidy of the program. UMB administration and advocates for the Early Learning Center have been at odds over the degree of UMass responsibility for the 30 children of students and staff who occupy slots at the day care center. As a result of UMass Boston’s plunging budget, the future of the ELC and its $230,00 in annual support has been in jeopardy since April.
The ELC’s classrooms accommodate children, 15 months to six years old, whose parents are part of the UMB or Dorchester community. According to Gema Gray, co-coordinator of the ELC’s parent advisory board, the center provides not only UMB students and staff, but also the Harbor Point Community with opportunities that would not otherwise be afforded to them. “It’s a real lifeline for students and community parents, and for Dorchester,” said Gray. “A cut in funding will cause a disproportionate amount of students of color and low income to lose access to education. If [UMass] is going to be an urban university, it needs to cater to an urban population.”
Many of the ELC’s supporters see the threat to their funding, along with the construction of the new campus center and future dormitories, as an indication that urban mission focus is fading.
Chancellor JoAnn Gora defends the university’s decision to reduce the ELC subsidy. “When our budget is cut 10 million dollars some things have to change. It seems like the more judicious choice given the alternative of cutting academic programs. If the budget hadn’t been cut this wouldn’t be happening,” said Gora. The chancellor maintains that the administration is simply “trying to provide an enhanced environment” rather than alter the make-up of the UMB community. “I do not want to change the diverse and cosmopolitan nature of the university,” Gora explained.”I don’t think improving services and enhancing academics will do that. We’re not trying to close the child care center, but to reduce the subsidy.”
But Gray insists that the learning center is “right smack in the center of the urban mission,” and finds the Chancellor’s definition of urban mission to be “laughable.” Gray continues, “It’s about equal access and equal opportunity. How many students in their lifetime may need help? An urban university should provide childcare. Cutting early literacy is like cutting off your nose to spite your face.”
Wednesday’s meeting between UMB administration and advocates of the ELC ended in an agreement to reduce the center’s subsidy to approximately $55,000 per year from the $230,000 it has received in the past. Of the resolution Chancellor Gora offered that only thirty children of the University community will be affected, and that with the previous funding, UMB was spending more money per year to support a child at the Early Learning Center than a student pays for tuition at the university.
Janette Gendrolis, ELC administrative assistant, says that the newly reduced funding will just about cover the center’s rental expenses. The ELC will have to raise any other funds necessary for operation. “We’re still looking at coming up with $170, 000 per year,” said Gendrolis whose child attended the ELC. “The focus on the center and the families is going to be on money. I can’t say that I’m not concerned.”
Despite anxiety over how the quality of the ELC will be affected, Gray and other center supporters see the continuation of the university’s financial support as a step in the right direction. “We wouldn’t have got that if we hadn’t made all the noise we’ve made. We see this as a sign that the Chancellor is acknowledging the importance [of the center].”