Oakmont parish looks to expand child care offerings

The Holy Family Parish-St Irenaeus is hoping to expand its day care services by transforming four classrooms.

Quintin Kittle, an architect for Q K Architecture and representative for Holy Family presented proposed plans for the site during the Oakmont Council meeting last week while seeking conditional use for the property.

Council members approved the conditional use in a 6-0 vote. Council member Amanda Pagnotta was absent.

The parish proposed the changes for its property at 637 Fourth St. in Oakmont, where the Holy Family Parish offices and early childhood center are located.

Infant and toddler rooms are planned in the available space, Kittle said.

“(The children) would be under the age of 2½ years old,” Kittle said.

Doors will be added to the building to satisfy exit requirements stipulated by the borough’s zoning ordinances. An ADA ramp and sidewalks will be added to the exterior of the building.

Plans call for the property’s existing play area to be moved so children won’t have to cross the parking lot to reach the playground, Kittle said.

The project is not expected to affect parking, Kittle said. Parents will drop off and pick up their children using the same process they currently use, he said.

The plans are set to hold up to 68 students, Kittle said. Around 40 children are expected this upcoming school year, he said.