The vibrant atmosphere of a children’s center with kids actively engaged in learning.
The Orange Coast College Children’s Center, a key childcare provider in Costa Mesa, will downsize its services starting July 1 due to budget cuts. Enrollment will drop from 105 to just 48 children, and the number of classrooms will be reduced from five to two. This decision raises concerns for local families relying on its services. Parents are now grappling with the need to find alternative childcare solutions amid the community’s pressing demand for affordable and reliable care.
In a surprising turn of events for families in Costa Mesa, the Orange Coast College (OCC) Children’s Center is set to drastically downsize, leaving many wondering what childcare options they will have starting July 1. This beloved institution, known formally as the Harry & Grace Steele Children’s Center, has been a staple in the community for nearly five decades, serving not just students, but also faculty, staff, and local families.
Recently, board officials gathered for a meeting on March 10, 2025, at the Coast Community College District Office, where they made the difficult decision to go ahead with budget cuts that will affect the center. This decision comes just a few days after another meeting, on March 5, aimed at discussing the potential budget issues the center was facing. The news has hit hard for many, especially those such as Mayra Novasky, whose three children have all been a part of the center’s family. For Novasky and other parents, the thought of losing this vital resource is deeply upsetting.
As the downsizing begins, the impact will be significant. The center’s enrollment will drop from 105 children to just 48, which is more than half of what it currently supports. Not only will the number of enrolled children be cut, but the center will also reduce its classrooms from five to just two. This means fewer learning opportunities for those little ones who thrive in this nurturing environment.
Staffing will also see a dramatic shift, with only four teachers remaining after the cut. This raises questions about the quality of care and education that the remaining children will be able to receive. The new structure prioritizes spots for the children of current students, faculty, and staff over community members. This leaves families in the community, who currently rely on the center, in a lurch and scrambling to find alternative daycare solutions.
As families face this urgent challenge, there is a palpable sense of anxiety and frustration. Childcare Eligibility Specialist at the Children’s Center has noted that parents were given little notice regarding the budget cuts, leaving them less than four months to find other childcare arrangements. For many parents, securing a spot in a reliable daycare is not easy, and they may not have anticipated having to seek new options on such short notice.
The community’s need for affordable and trustworthy childcare is more critical than ever. With the downsizing of this essential service, many families will find themselves navigating the often tangled web of finding new caregivers—something that can be daunting, especially when the clock is ticking.
For nearly fifty years, the Harry & Grace Steele Children’s Center has been more than just a daycare; it has been a nurturing home where children learn, grow, and thrive together. The memories shared at the center, such as children learning sign language at a young age and enjoying their first experiences away from home, will now turn into bittersweet reflections for many families. It’s not just a building with walls; it’s a cherished part of lives—filled with laughter, discovery, and the joys of early childhood.
As the countdown to July 1 begins, the affected members of the Costa Mesa community are left grappling with this challenging transition. What was once a promising path towards affordable childcare is now uncertain, with many hoping for solutions either through community outreach or new initiatives that might ease the burden caused by these downsizing measures. Let’s hope that the spirit of togetherness and support of this vibrant community shines through during these trying times.
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