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Parents urge council to keep Piedmont Play School at 401 Hampton, ask for prompt review
Summary
Multiple parents and board members asked the council to agendize a PPS partnership proposal that would keep Piedmont Play School operating at 401 Hampton and expand full‑day childcare using PPS's existing Title 22 license at no additional cost to the city.
Dozens of parents and PPS board members told the Piedmont City Council on Oct. 20 that they want the council to keep Piedmont Play School (PPS) at 401 Hampton and to promptly consider a partnership proposal to expand full‑day childcare.
"The train is leaving the station," said Michael Feder, speaking on behalf of his wife, who submitted the PPS proposal, adding that the family is already in discussions with the Community Care Licensing division of the California Department of Social Services. Samantha Noblesbloch, a Piedmont resident and longtime PPS executive board member, told the council that "because Piedmont Place School already has a title 22 facility license, the work the needs of Piedmont families can be met quickly under this proposal." She asked the council to agendize a phased partnership, extend use of 401 Hampton while the evaluation proceeds, and endorse core elements so the transition can be covered by tuition, fundraising, and grants.
Several speakers described the program as a decades‑long cooperative that provides parent education, volunteer participation and deep community ties. Michelle Ritchie, a PPS board member, said she reviewed 10 years of enrollment data and urged a careful, collaborative approach to avoid disruption to teachers and families. Pamela Foldson, a longtime parent, recounted earlier relocations and the volunteer effort that built the school and asked the council to consider PPS's legacy.
City staff were not asked to take immediate action during public forum; Mayor Betsy Smigle Anderson confirmed written comments had been provided to council. Speakers requested clearer, timely feedback from the city administrator and for the council to place the PPS proposal on a future agenda so the proposal can be evaluated without forcing a sudden move.
What happens next: speakers asked the council to agendize the PPS partnership proposal and to extend the use of 401 Hampton while staff and council evaluate licensing and transition costs.
