Save the St. Catherine's Early Childhood Center

I have been working their for the past 3 years I have been at college and the ECC provides so much to the campus. I encourage that the ECC remains open even if under different ownership

Although my children are adults now and have children, I'm signing on the behalf of those parents, staff and teachers who weren't informed about the EEC closing. It's upsetting to know that the people who deal directly with the children are the last to know...or for any matter, didn't know about the closing. Honestly, I feel so saddened for everyone. I hope there's a more positive resolve to this situation than a closing once the petition goal is met.

Please keep this valuable resource open for the students/ parents & families that highly depend on this service!

Closing a historic center which has consistently provided quality care shouldn't be the first line item during budget cuts. At the very least, parents, teachers, and staff should have been allowed the respect of being involved in the process and possibly finding other solutions/ways to stay open aside from unilaterally being shut down.

We need the board to reconsider this harmful decision!

We value this preschool so much!

Please reconsider this decision.

Consider leasing it to the staff presently running it.

Really? A women's University which is supposedly committed to empowerment closes a place which can help support that value?

This deeply respected and loved school, a most precious asset to the children and parents of the Highland Park area, needs to continue!

My nephew is THRIVING since joining this school. The program was started by Sister Anne Harvey over 90 years ago. St. Kate's University leadership has deemed the program no longer worth supporting, despite enrollment numbers being up for next year. The staff and families (my brother and his wife) have been given 3 months notice to not only find Fall schooling but also summer care. They have options, but that's NOT the part that we are concerned with. They’re devastated because it's the first classroom they’ve seen Oszkár THRIVE in! Under their teaching and care, we've watched Oszki become a confident, respectful, and excited learner. This community school feels like "home". Please let me know what we can do to keep this sweet program alive. I WANT TO HELP

Please reconsider….

Our young moms need this!

This is an important resource the community needs.

Please keep open for the parents and families!

This decision is not what I as a trustee emeritus and supporter of the university expect from St Kates especially since it effects my grand nieces June and Hatti

This school provides a necessary service, with excellence. It is a community of teachers, students, and families who value the atmosphere and rely on a safe, loving, and welcoming place for their children to learn and grow, as well as a place to provide jobs that are meaningful and fulfilling work.

The ECC brings so much love and light to St. Kate's. Everyone loves the Halloween walks and Christmas Carols from the children. The abrupt closure has had a profound impact on families, students, and the entire St. Kate's Community. Numerous students from various academic programs such as Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Psychology, and Education have engaged with the children to enrich their knowledge and educational experience. I know this because I am a student as well. How can it be that a venerable institution dedicated to the advancement of education and social equity would choose to close down a vital resource for students and children in need? Consider the impact on St. Kate's faculty and single parents pursuing their education while caring for their children. According to St. Kate's Women's Reflective book, it is explicitly articulated that individuals, including oneself as a leader, bear the responsibility of fostering a cohesive and prosperous community by working collaboratively towards common goals. "[Adrienne Rich]...when it comes to society, we are responsible to help contribute and maintain a better community by uniting and achieving our main goals together." If this aligns with the values upheld by St. Kate's and yourself as a leader, you must recognize the significant impact the ECC has on all stakeholders.

We have had an incredible experience with our first 2 children at St Kates- it is a truly special place. We have a 3 year old who we'd planned to send there next fall. This is a huge loss for the community and for our family- we hope this is reconsidered.

Please find a way to stay open this has been a godsend for Finn!