Local News: August 22, 2023

- TC3 Childcare Center Investigated By State After Complaints -

The on-campus daycare center at Tompkins Cortland Community College was recently investigated by the state.  CNY Central reports the state Office of Child and Family Services conducted the investigation after receiving several complaints. The agency was able to confirm three allegations. One was that a teacher did not follow the mandatory reporting procedures, another that a teacher may have “closed their eyes during naptime,” and a third that a teacher left a child alone for an unspecified period of time. 

The state also found that other violations were unresolved. They included not notifying a parent when their child was involved in a “serious incident” at the daycare center.

Two teachers are suspended while a college human resources investigation is conducted. A third teacher had already been fired because of previous complaints. The college’s president, Amy Kremenek, says in addition to the HR investigation, outside consultants will review the center’s policies and practices and talk to staff.

You can look up your childcare center including inspection records on the Office of Child and Family Services website. 

- TCAT Electric Bus Maker Files For Bankruptcy -

The electric bus manufacturer that provides buses to Tompkins Consolidated Area Transportation (TCAT) has filed for bankruptcy. The Ithaca Voice reports that Proterra is the largest maker of electric buses in the U.S. TCAT has bought seven buses from them so far. TCAT plans to have an all-electric fleet by 2035. The transport nonprofit recently received a $28.7 million federal grant to buy more buses from Proterra. The bus manufacturer says business will continue despite the Chapter 11 process. It’s not clear how that might affect TCAT long term.