Flexible part-time schedule at UMBC's Y Preschool

Fri, 20 Nov 2015 11:24:49 -0500

FYI! I received this email via the GWST list-serv and I'm helping spread the word!

If you or someone you know at UMBC is needing a more flexible schedule at the Y Preschool on campus, here's your chance to have your voice be heard!

See below for more details. Thanks to Orianne Smith for taking the lead on this important advocacy work!

-Jess

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Dear all,

My name is Orianne Smith and I am the Chair of English and the Chair of Faculty Affairs. I'm reaching out to those of you who are thinking about starting a family or those of you who already have young children. I'm also reaching out to others who are invested in creating and sustaining a family-friendly environment at UMBC.

As many of us know, the Y UMBC childcare facility opened its doors again this fall. I can attest that the Y UMBC is a wonderful option to consider for children ages 2-4: my daughter attended several years ago until the facility closed because of mold issues. The Y UMBC worked perfectly for me back then because I asked for--and was given--a flexible part-time schedule of T-W-Th. Unfortunately, this flexibility is no longer an option at the new facility. The Y has made a change in policy that prevents faculty members from choosing a schedule that works best for them and their families. Currently, the facility will only consider a M-W-F schedule or a T-Th schedule. This does not address the needs of most faculty who do not have a five day a week, 9 - 5 schedule. I would say the same would be true for students.

In my capacity as Chair of Faculty Affairs I met with Valerie Thomas this week to discuss this issue. She said that the Y might consider going back to allowing UMBC parents to choose a schedule that suits their needs if there is enough interest.

Please contact HR at 410-455-6830 or via email at preschool@umbc.edu if you are personally interested in a flexible part-time schedule for childcare or if you simply want to support this opportunity for our UMBC community. If you are considering the Y for your child then let them know your preferred schedule and preferred start date.

Thanks,

Orianne

Orianne Smith
Associate Professor and Chair, English
Affiliate Associate Professor, Gender + Women's Studies
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)