Costly Care Parents complain, but the JCC defends infant-toddler tuition hike. JULIE WIENER STAFF WRITER I wo months ago, many parents were angered when the Jewish Commu- nity Center's Child De- velopment Center (CDC) an- nounced it would be raising tuition for its infant-toddler pro- gram. When the new rates go into ef- fect in September, parents will pay $975 per month plus the an- nual cost of family membership at the JCC, making the CDC the costliest infant-toddler day care program in metropolitan De- troit. Last Wednesday, six parents met with CDC Director Fredelle Schneider, JCC Executive Di- rector David Sorkin and the chairs of the CDC Task Force to discuss the increase. Despite complaints, parents were told that the new rate would stay in place. "We took the opportunity to explain the reasons for the tuition increase," said Mr. Sorkin, who added that the tuition hike will improve child care and reduce staff turnover by providing additional funds for training, salaries and bene- fits. "We hope that paying people better salaries and being more market competitive will provide parents with a higher level of care and more consistency," he said. However, neither Mr. Sorkin nor Ms. Schneider would specify when the salary increases will be implemented, how large they will be, and which workers will receive them. "Increases will be relative to [the workers'] education level and how many hours they work," said Mr. Sorkin. When asked whether there would be across-the-board increases for all child care staff, he said, "I don't like to sag' across-the-board because people are at different levels." But not all parents think salary increases are necessary. "The people they have now deserve to make $7 an hour," said Robert Goode, a parent with one child in the infant- toddler program. "They're baby- sitters; they're not trained. [The JCC is] trying to make this the greatest thing on earth — it's not. It's a day care center." Mr. Goode said that most par- ents he's talked to are happy with the program as it is and don't see the need for changes. Furthermore, he doubts people will be willing to pay the high tu- ition. "I think in two years they won't have anybody [in the pro- gram]," said Mr. Goode, whose child is on wait lists for other day care programs. "What they're losing is incoming parents," he added. However, Ms. Schneider said only one child has left the pro- gram since the increase was an- nounced, and the program still enjoys a wait list of over 100 families. She said people keep calling to put their children on the wait list even when they are told of the new tuition. "The interest is there; the need is there," said Ms. Schnei- der. "We're the only Jewish in- fant-toddler program in the area." ❑ In honor of Barbara Nusbaum, more than $1,650,000 was realized in Israel Bonds sales at a Women's Division Diamond Trustee/Prime Minister's Club Tribute Dinner. Dr. Ellen Cannon, political scientist, was the guest speaker. Shown are David B. Hermelin, Israel Bonds national campaign chairman; Doreen Hermelin; Dr. Ellen Cannon; Barbara Nusbaum; Irving Nusbaum; Linda Hayman, Women's Division chairwoman; Sandra Dembs, tribute dinner chairwoman, and Bernard Stollman, Israel Bonds campaign general chairman. Publicity Deadlines The normal deadline for local news and publicity items is noon Thursday, eight days prior to issue date. The deadline for out-of- town obituaries is 10 a.m. Tuesday, three days prior to issue date. All material must be typewritten, double-spaced, on 8 1/2 x 11 pa- per and include the name and daytime telephone number of sender. 4 Seasons Fireplace _Barbecue BBQ SALE FREE ASSEMBLY go LOCAL DELIVERY BEMIS FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ALL PATIO LAWN COMFORT FURNITURE BY BEMIS RESIN EXQUISITELY DETAILED BROILMASTER LP GAS OR NAT GAS BBQS GENESIS 1000 479 .99 WITH TANK LLJ I-- CD CC LLJ CI U.J H- 22 ICI SAVE NOW AN ADDITIONAL 20% D3$679 .99 D4 $599. 99 DELUXE NATURAL GAS BBQ 40,000 BTU D3 w/ post $53 - - 99 D3 w/ PATIO BASE $569 AND GENEROUSLY PROPORTIONED ERGONOMICALLY CONTOURED FOR EXTRAORDINARY COMFORT AND SUPPORT Cr) DELUXE LP GAS BBQs with tank BROILMASTER ' 99 nn tm .5 IJrn ALL WEBERS ON SALE INCLUDING SPECIAL ORDERS barbecue service & installation available 4 SEASONS- 30903 ORCHARD LAKE RD (248) 855-0303 (in Hunter Square between 13 & 14 Mile by TJ MAXX, AMAZING SAVINGS & THE GAP) CLOSED SATURDAY Open Sunday 10 am-6 pm Monday to Thursday 10 am-9 pm, Friday 10am-6pm sale ends TUESDAY 6/3/97 MHP Barbecue parts for most brands: cooking grids, coal grates, burners & more save 20% Bring in model # or old parts BARBECUE SERV10E$35.00 FOR UP TO 35 MINUTES AT YOUR HOME IIV1C INK* LP TANK EXCHANGE FOR LIKE TANK FILLED $10.00