Abstract: Assessment and Strategic Planning for SFU Childcare Services
This Request for Information (“RFI”) is issued by Simon Fraser University (“SFU”) for the purpose of gathering information and interest from qualified consulting firms or individuals in order to determine potential options for the assessment and development of a long-term strategic plan for the University’s Childcare Services.
Opened in 1965, Simon Fraser University (SFU) has become Canada's leading comprehensive university with vibrant campuses in British Columbia's largest municipalities — Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey — and deep roots in partner communities throughout the province and around the world. SFU employs close to 3,000 faculty members and administrative and support staff, and enrolls over 30,000 full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students in eight Faculties.
Not long after the opening of the university, in 1968 a group of dedicated parents began a co-operative family oriented drop-in childcare center. With a $550 grant and the dedication of some space, SFU childcare services began and evolved into what eventually became the SFU Childcare Society (SFUCCS), a not-for-profit childcare provider that currently enrolls over 380 infant, toddler, preschool and school age children at its Burnaby Mountain facilities. The Society has an annual operating budget of $3.5 million (additional information related to the SFUCCS can be found here).
Although the SFUCCS is its own not-for-profit entity with an independent governance structure, it receives significant financial and operational support from the university. SFU and the SFU Community Corporation provide building facilities, maintenance support, administrative expertise and liability and comprehensive insurance to the Society.
The main childcare centres, located on the west side of the Burnaby campus, are approaching the end of their useful life and require significant infrastructure upgrades. The university is considering the option of relocating the centres elsewhere on campus in an effort to consolidate childcare services, expand capacity, and free up west side land for future student residence use.
The university views childcare services as an integral component of its operations and a major asset that contributes to faculty, student and staff engagement. As the SFUCCS approaches its 50th anniversary, it is an opportune time to revisit SFU’s approach to childcare services and its partnership with the SFUCCS to ensure it is meeting the current and long-term needs of the university community.
Responses will be accepted up to 2:00 PM on Monday, August 07, 2017. Information obtained from this RFI may be used to develop a second stage Request for Proposals.
