County Childcare Center
Non-Profit May Operate Under New Plan
Plans for a county-run childcare center might change after a decision made by the Commissioners on July 15th. What started in 2023 as an idea proposed by Commissioner Colvin has morphed several times, with the latest move projected to shift operating costs and responsibilities to a third party.
A modular building installed on the grassy area between Leonard Hall Drive and Leonard Hall Recreation Center was the first proposal. Able to accommodate 73 children, the price tag was $2.54M. But in September 2024, the Commissioners directed the Department of Public Works & Transportation (DWPT) to explore what it would take to renovate the former Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy (LHJNA) building instead.
In early 2024 the county issued a letter to LHJNA terminating their lease, citing over $500K in required repairs the school couldn’t afford. The academy has since been looking for a new home. DPWT found the former school building, at 9300 square feet, could accommodate 114 children but required significant renovations adding $1.1M to the project’s cost. Commissioners Hewitt, Ostrow, and Guy pushed for the change.
To fund the shortfall, the Commissioners reallocated projected surpluses from the roundabouts planned at Pegg Rd/Westbury Blvd and Wildewood Pkwy/Blvd in the FY25 budget. Budget documents for FY26 list a completed study and recommendation for the Wildewood roundabout, while Pegg/Westbury was being evaluated. That location was added with support from Commissioner Ostrow after residents in his district repeatedly raised their concerns.
Renovations at the former LHJNA building are now underway, part of which includes removing asbestos. The idea to explore a private entity operating the daycare was brought by Ray Bivens, Director of Recreation & Parks (RP). Bivens noted RP has added “multiple facilities and programs…without a corresponding staff increase.” Contracting with a provider would “maintain quality while managing workload,” prevent competition between the County and private industry, and “offload a portion of County legal liability.”
Bivens said RP has been trying to expand before and after care options but hiring is difficult. He expects the same for the daycare facility manager. If no longer needed, that role would be converted to a parks coordinator overseeing hourly staff. There was no specific vendor in mind, however Bivens did say there was “interest” from the non-profit community. Agreement terms could include responsibility for “outfitting” the building, utilities, maintenance, and paying the County a portion of gross income rather than a rental fee.
Rec & Parks Memo
Commissioner Hewitt, unsure of the benefit to all taxpayers, liked the idea of an experienced childcare provider and a fixed cost for the county’s end of the bargain. Colvin was unconvinced, but Bivens said the center would need to reach 85% occupancy, if county run, to break even. Commissioners generally agreed on childcare as an employee recruiting & retention tool, with Alderson suggesting night-time hours for children of emergency personnel. The center would initially open to county employees, with unused spots potentially being available for the public.
The YMCA may be the non-profit “running this thing,” according to a passing comment made by Commissioner Ostrow during discussion. Earlier in the meeting, the Commissioners approved rezoning of property for Pax River Village Center Townhomes. Though located in his district, Ostrow recused himself from the vote. The project’s owner, Atlantic Realty, donated $2,000 to his campaign in 2023. Commissioner Hewitt was a strong proponent of the rezoning to revitalize the area with more housing, and a nearby daycare operated by the YMCA.
Ostrow joined Hewitt, Alderson, and Guy in voting to authorize RP to explore partnering with a non-profit or private vendor to operate the daycare. Colvin voted against.
