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News Release

Umpqua Community College Explores Partnership To Expand Childcare Access In Douglas County - 04/08/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Umpqua Community College (UCC) is advancing plans to support expanded childcare services in Douglas County by providing space for a partner organization to operate a licensed childcare facility serving infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children.

 

While childcare services are not part of UCC’s core mission, the college is committed to supporting community needs and leveraging strong local partnerships to address critical gaps. With several underutilized facilities available, UCC identified an opportunity to dedicate space to help meet the growing demand for childcare in the region.

 

“This is a win for Douglas County,” Dr. Rachel Pokrandt, UCC President & CEO said. “We are proud to be part of a collaborative effort to help solve one of the most pressing challenges facing local families.”

 

The site under consideration is the former Woolley Center at Fir Grove on Harvard Avenue. The college recently vacated the building after relocating its GED, Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language programs to expanded and remodeled facilities in downtown Roseburg.

 

UCC will not operate the childcare facility. Instead, the college plans to donate use of the building and its grounds to a qualified partner organization with expertise in early childhood education. The proposed project would include remodeling the existing structure and potentially expanding the site to create spaces specifically designed for childcare services.

 

The project remains in its early planning stages, and construction is not expected to begin for at least a year.

 

The initiative is tied to a proposed $1 million federal funding request supported by U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle. According to Hoyle’s office, the funding would be used by UCC to construct a new licensed childcare facility serving young children in the community. If appropriated, the funds would support design completion and the start of construction.

 

“We feel very fortunate to have made the shortlist of projects that the congresswoman has chosen to support,” Pokrandt added. “Childcare availability is a crisis for many families in Douglas County, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to invest in our community in this way.”

 

UCC continues to seek opportunities to give back to the community that supports the college and views this project as a meaningful step toward strengthening local infrastructure and family resources.

Umpqua Community College Explores Partnership To Expand Childcare Access In Douglas County - 04/08/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Umpqua Community College (UCC) is advancing plans to support expanded childcare services in Douglas County by providing space for a partner organization to operate a licensed childcare facility serving infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children.

 

While childcare services are not part of UCC’s core mission, the college is committed to supporting community needs and leveraging strong local partnerships to address critical gaps. With several underutilized facilities available, UCC identified an opportunity to dedicate space to help meet the growing demand for childcare in the region.

 

“This is a win for Douglas County,” Dr. Rachel Pokrandt, UCC President & CEO said. “We are proud to be part of a collaborative effort to help solve one of the most pressing challenges facing local families.”

 

The site under consideration is the former Woolley Center at Fir Grove on Harvard Avenue. The college recently vacated the building after relocating its GED, Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language programs to expanded and remodeled facilities in downtown Roseburg.

 

UCC will not operate the childcare facility. Instead, the college plans to donate use of the building and its grounds to a qualified partner organization with expertise in early childhood education. The proposed project would include remodeling the existing structure and potentially expanding the site to create spaces specifically designed for childcare services.

 

The project remains in its early planning stages, and construction is not expected to begin for at least a year.

 

The initiative is tied to a proposed $1 million federal funding request supported by U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle. According to Hoyle’s office, the funding would be used by UCC to construct a new licensed childcare facility serving young children in the community. If appropriated, the funds would support design completion and the start of construction.

 

“We feel very fortunate to have made the shortlist of projects that the congresswoman has chosen to support,” Pokrandt added. “Childcare availability is a crisis for many families in Douglas County, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to invest in our community in this way.”

 

UCC continues to seek opportunities to give back to the community that supports the college and views this project as a meaningful step toward strengthening local infrastructure and family resources.