Lifesteps to run BC3 preschool
Butler County Community College will have a new service provider to operate its preschool program starting this fall.
Lifesteps — a nonprofit organization that assists children, families, seniors and disabled adults — will operate the preschool located on BC3’s main campus beginning in August.
BC3’s board of trustees authorized Lifesteps to lease BC3’s Amy Wise Children’s Creative Learning Center for $10,000 annually and operate the preschool.
“BC3 has been reviewing operations to identify ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency while staying true to its mission of serving students and the community,” Jake Friel, BC3’s vice president for finance, said in a news release. “The college decided to pursue an outside agency to operate a preschool program at the Amy Wise Children’s Creative Learning Center as part of a broader effort to ensure BC3’s long-term financial sustainability.”
BC3 said in its release the preschool “may be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.” It plans to provide before-care beginning at 7:30 a.m. for a maximum of $65 weekly and after-care until 5 p.m. also for a maximum of $65 per week.
Lifesteps was one of three organizations that submitted proposals to run the preschool to a BC3 review committee, according to the college.
The college said its proposal request for operating the preschool asked that respondents deliver a “safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate program” for children, aligning with state licensing requirements and BC3’s mission of providing affordable, high-quality education. It also stated that respondents provide collaborative learning opportunities for students enrolled in the college’s education programs.
“This partnership with Lifesteps reflects BC3’s deep commitment to supporting our students by expanding access to high-quality, affordable early care and education,” Megan Coval, BC3’s president, said in the release. “We are pleased that our students and community will benefit from one of the region’s most respected early childhood education providers right here on our main campus.”
