It is with a heavy heart, I am conveying to you that on April 5th, 2023, the Beth Ami Early Learning Center, formerly the Beth Ami Community Nursery School, will be closing. The persistent torrential rains and the resulting water leaks were a major factor in closing down the school.
The Board was unaware, until the heavy January rains, that the roof was in such poor condition that it triggered leaks in multiple classrooms. The Department of Social Services – Childcare Licensing Division has strict rules for childcare facilities, and at the end of February the school received a citation for roof leaks, HVAC damages, and possible mold exposure. Fortunately, for the health of the children, teachers, and parents, a professional testing service found no evidence of mold. In the last two weeks the ground around the building had become so saturated, water intruded into the lower walls in one of the classrooms. That was the final straw. We cannot continue operating the school until there is an extended period of dry weather so that permanent fixes can be made.
As a former preschool parent who relied on the Early Learning Center to provide quality care so that I could work, and as a member of this congregation, I am deeply saddened that we were forced to close the school. I know we have families that still hold the preschool and its mission close to their hearts. I am truly sorry this situation has occurred.
The Board of Directors will be evaluating the fixes and improvements that are required. Concurrently, we will also be evaluating the best use for the facility to benefit the whole community. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call.
In peace and on behalf of the CBA board of directors, Barb McGee
