You've probably passed by them - tiny tots walking on Martin's Way, serving as a welcome distraction from that paper you were worrying about.  There's no doubt that you stopped and smiled for a second at the sheer adorableness of the scene.

It's likely that these cute kids were students at the Clinton Early Learning Center (CELC).  The CELC has been located on Hamilton College’s campus since 1973. The non-profit organization offers childcare for kids from 18 months to 5 years old. The CELC's location on our beautiful campus is what truly makes it unique.  The children have a safe place to go for walks, explore the glen, and play outside. Recently, the Hamilton College Administration informed the CELC that it will have to move into the town of Clinton due to the need to make the classrooms into additional dorm rooms. This move would take so much away from the center.  Going for walks, which allow children to develop their motor skills, would be dangerous on the busier streets in town.  Teachers would no longer have the ability to let the children roam, play, and learn about nature in the glen.  

Additionally, this move would make it far more difficult for Hamilton College students to volunteer at the CELC.  The CELC has been kind enough to open its doors to students, allowing them to do research for classes or simply experience the joy and stress-relief that comes with volunteering with children.  If the center moved, this academic opportunity would be taken away from Hamilton students who cannot conveniently travel off-campus.  Even Hamilton students who don't volunteer at the center would be affected by this move, since they could no longer delight in seeing these precious children around campus.

Please join me in signing this petition to let the Hamilton College Administration know that you believe the CELC should stay located on Hamilton’s campus.