Date:
11/1/2002
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Donna Gutierrez
ROSWELL – The ENMU-Roswell Child Development Center (CDC) will soon be opening its doors to students and children again. After a three-month relocation to the La Entrada Child Care Center at University High School, CDC staff will be moving furniture, supplies and equipment back into the building on Nov. 1. The center is now scheduled to be back in operation on Nov. 4.
Earlier this month, the center passed final clearance tests for any mold or asbestos in the building. Air quality and wall swab tests indicated the mold remediation and asbestos abatement procedures conducted at the center over the past several weeks were successful. The interior east wall, which was damaged by water leakage, was rebuilt. The building was also recarpeted and re-tiled.
"We're very happy that the CDC staff and children will soon be home again," said Dr. Judy Armstrong, provost. "We did everything necessary to ensure that all safety and environmental concerns have been addressed and we appreciate the support and understanding of the parents who were impacted during the closure. Our thanks go out once again to Leslie Andrews and her staff at University High School for allowing us to use their facilities," she said.
The CDC was closed July 31 when water damage was found in an exterior wall of the center. It appears rain or sprinkler water seeped into the wall, causing the damage. Initial testing found evidence of various types of mold in that wall and in air samples taken in the facility. Additional testing showed low levels of common household molds in four rooms and the hallway of the center. The children and staff were relocated to the La Entrada Child Care Center at University High School where they have been for the past three months.
The Child Development Center on campus provides training for students pursuing careers involving young children (birth through age 8), such as teaching, care giving, nursing, and occupational therapy. The center is open to children in the community, as well as children of staff, faculty, and students. The center is currently serving 30 children.