Cold Springs Elementary roof issue displaces childcare providers; city and partners searching for temporary space

Missoula ' City and community partners scrambled on Nov. 10 to find temporary space for childcare providers after Missoula County Public Schools closed the Cold Springs Elementary wing used by Missoula Child Care Advantage because of a reported roof failure and engineering concerns.

Mayor Andrea Davis told councilors that MCPS notified the city on Friday of a roof failure in the wing where Missoula Child Care Advantage operates. "Our parks department has been working alongside Missoula County Public Schools' we do not operate Missoula Child Care Advantage, but we have been working with MCPS on the potential to utilize some space in Jefferson School," Davis said.

Councilor Nugent, who joined a Friday meeting on the issue, said an engineer's report issued Friday required people to vacate while tests are run and noted the engineers will need to cut into classroom ceilings to inspect above them. "They are hopeful it's not as bad as it seems," Nugent said, adding that roughly "6 or 7 child providers" were affected and that Missoula Child Care Advantage, MCPS and the United Way are working to relocate providers and children.

There was no formal action by the council on Nov. 10; city staff said discussions with MCPS, United Way and licensing officials are ongoing and that a clearer path forward was expected in the coming days.

Next steps: the city, MCPS and partner organizations are exploring temporary space at Jefferson School and other options; officials said they will report additional updates once inspections and relocation planning are complete.