Expanded availability to prioritize emergency responders and health workers
On March 23, CMU Little and Mini Mavericks Learning Center announced expanded community childcare capacity to serve Mesa County in response to COVID-19.
A state order issued on March 18 resulted in many Colorado schools to temporarily close. Some childcare facilities have also closed or limited services. In anticipation of an ongoing community shortage, the learning center staff began an assessment of how many slots could be made available to parents and the community for the remainder of the spring semester.The result was the immediate availability of 70 new childcare slots and 30 school-age slots. The expanded space is open to the entire community with an enrollment priority for healthcare, first responders and workers deemed essential for public services.
“CMU is responding to challenges of COVID-19 by doing our part to expand community childcare options for parents who are adapting to changing conditions," said CMU President Tim Foster. “Our team has created around 70 additional slots for small children and around 30 for school-age children. CMU will continue to inventory campus facilities and explore how we can serve Mesa County during these challenging times.”
“Enrollment is not limited to only emergency responders and health workers,” said Little Mavs Learning Center Operations Director Cindy Lawton. “In fact, the slots are available community-wide. Our team is simply making sure that priority is provided to those who may be on the front lines of the pandemic response. We encourage all parents in the community who need childcare to apply and make use of our additional capacity.”
The Center has long-standing sanitizing measures in place and are continually monitoring for new federal, state and or local guidance on best practices.
In addition to offering this community asset, CMU and Hilltop will be working together to provide community members the support they may need to discover what financial and aide resources might be available for childcare during these challenging times.
Students, faculty, staff and community members interested in applying should complete an online application.
Parents are encouraged to call 970.248.1318 for more information.