April 10, 2026 3:20 a.m. 

Umpqua Community College 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.

A college release said that while childcare services are not a 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.

UCC President and CEO Dr. Rachel Pokrandt said, “This is a win for Douglas County”. Pokrandt 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 Wooley Center at Fir Grove Park on West Harvard Avenue in Roseburg. 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

The release said 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 designed for childcare services.

The project remains in its early 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 Congresswoman Val Hoyle. If appropriated, the funds would support design completion and the start of construction.

Pokrandt said, “Childcare availability is a crisis for many families in Douglas County, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to invest in the community in this way.”