Greetings from Tashon

Dear Parents, 

This has been quite a trying year. Our great community has locked arms and weathered these unpredictable times together.  It is long overdue that I share my deep appreciation for your unwavering support of the CEC. I want to acknowledge the sacrifices that you have made to continue in the CEC community this year and thank you for your understanding and patience as we stabilize the finances of the organization. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. 

We have had to make several changes to our normal pre-pandemic operations here at the Center.  With dramatic cuts to staffing (and reduced hours for many), we have not been able to conduct the traditional room meetings and conferences like we have in the past.  We are hopeful that as COVID-19 cases continue to drop, we will soon receive word from Public Health that we will be able to increase enrollment close to pre-pandemic levels.  At that time, we will be able to restore our staff and begin to reestablish opportunities for the much-needed parent/teacher connections. Since teachers have experienced reduced planning and coordination time this year, we will be using the week of August 9th for teacher’s program planning, teambuilding and preparing for the new program year. The CEC’s Children’s Programs will be closed during this time, with the new program year beginning on August 16.  

As you know, we have suspended food preparation and distribution of snacks by teachers to reduce the possibility of the spread of COVID-19.  We have missed the family style sharing of snack and it is our goal to return to our healthy snack program soon.  Out of abundance of caution, we are moving slowly “back to normal” to ensure that both teachers and children remain well.  

We have also been operating on reduced hours and we understand the impact this has had on many of you.  We want to assure you that starting in the new program year, we will be open from 7am-6pm to better support you and your family. 

To say that I am deeply grateful for all that you have done and all that you continue to do to do is an understatement.  On behalf of myself, the Board of Trustees and the Leadership team, thank you for your tremendous support, patience, and allowing us to be a part of your family.  

In gratitude,  

Tashon McKeithan
Executive Director