"There is higher demand for this Center than OCC as a whole"

The children’s center is our village. It’s where our babies grow to kids, and where we’ve grown into parenthood. The teachers and staff have carefully and expertly guided us through countless milestones and moments that have shaped our family. Without the center, we would experience a significant loss. Our kids would lose out on essential early education, and our jobs are at risk with the sudden drop in care. Waitlists are years long amid this childcare crisis, leaving little-to-no chance of them getting the same quality of care.

The resulting domino effect of this decision is almost too painful to describe, but I can only imagine this could put families out of jobs and homes. Where is all our money going? There is higher demand for this center than OCC as a whole. Is this not but an extremely shortsighted business decision? Why are we cutting the teachers jobs when they make next to nothing? Why aren’t we trimming the actual fat and being strategic? This is not the answer.

-Kyle, OCC Children's Center Parent, OCC Student

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