"The breadth of experience and perspective within those walls is astounding and priceless"

I was truly shocked by this news. The decision to close the Harry and Grace Steele Children's Center will have a tremendous impact on countless children as well as the community at large. As others have said, the center yields a healthy demand from local families and the OCC community. My own children were on the wait list for over 2 years before they were able to attend. I simply can't accept that there's an issue finding families willing to pay for childcare.

The teachers and staff have been tremendous and most have been in their positions for decades. Their commitment is irrefutable and their passion undeniable. They are the reason the center is so beloved. Families want to send their children and excellent teachers are already in place ready to guide them.

So what gives? Where's the problem? This is the first time we've been informed of funding problems. Why haven't parents or community members been given a chance to step in? Has there been any attempt to change the tuition structure, scheduling, fundraising...? The abrupt nature of this announcement at 7pm on Friday simply reaks of a flippant nonchalance that could only emanate from behind the desk of someone entirely detached and wholly unconcerned by the inevitable heartbreak we're now experiencing.

The Children's Center IS community. Spend a day inside and you'll encounter folks from all walks of life. The breadth of experience and perspective within those walls is astounding and priceless. It's not just a place for children to learn, it's a place where people learn about one another and the fabric of our community begins to weave back and forth. How can we abandon something so beautiful and emblematic of Education?

-Matt, OCC Children's Center Parent

[As originally posted on Preserve The OCC Harry & Grace Steele Children's Center]