The College of Human Ecology has proposed building a new child care center in Weinland Park. It will replace the A. Sophie Rogers Laboratory School for Child Development.

The 76-year-old school, located in Campbell Hall, is a research and training center for students within the college. It also serves as a child-care facility with 30 children, ages six months to five years.

Michele Sanderson, program coordinator Department of Human Development and Family Science, said the idea has been in the development stages since spring of 2001. She said the decision to move to Weinland Park is a good one.

” We have already established a relationship with the neighborhood,” Sanderson said.

The college has a community outreach facility, the Human Ecology House, established in Weinland Park.

Sanderson said moving to a new center will enhance research capabilities, allowing employees to try innovative ideas. The new center will expand the public observance area and the increase the number of classrooms. The new center will be able to serve nearly 150 children without losing the intimacy of the smaller school.

“We are critically concerned about bringing early childhood education to that initiative,” said Karen Crockett, early childhood specialist.

The center is expected to cost approximately $10 million. Funding will come from various gifts and donations.

Alex and Betty Schoenbaum, the namesakes of Schoenbaum Hall, have donated $2.5 million.

Parents with enrolled children have not received detailed information about the move. Development procedures will not be finalized for at least three years and a different parent group will be affected.

Despite crime associated with the area, Weinland Park residents say they do not oppose the move.

“They don’t feel that [Weinland Park] is unsafe,” said Steve Sterrett, spokesman for Campus Partners. “As long as they are not involved in illegal activity, they are not in danger.”

Sterrett also said the new location will provide a smoother transition from day care to elementary school.

Kelly Paull, a senior in human ecology and substitute teacher for the school, said she is excited about the development.

“The new center will be a lot bigger and nicer,” Paull said. “It will be great for the children.”