We, the undersigned parents and guardians of children enrolled at The Young School in Howard County, Maryland, respectfully urge Learning Care Group to continue funding the RockStarts music enrichment program as part of regular tuition, rather than shifting it to an opt-in, parent-funded activity.

For years, Mr. Nick, the music educator at The Young School, has been more than just a visitor; he has become an integral part of our school family.

RockStarts and Mr. Nick have introduced not just current Young School students, but countless siblings and graduates to their first instruments, first songs, and first moments of joy and confidence through music. He has built relationships with our children from their time in the infant room all through their foundational early childhood years, to that inevitable Pre-K graduation. His music classes are an absolute highlight of the week for our kids.  It's clear to see... review the photos and videos that have been shared on SproutAbout over the years.  They are filled with movement, laughter, and learning that support every essential early childhood developmental domain.

Through music, Mr. Nick has helped our children:

• Build foundational language and early literacy skills
• Strengthen pattern recognition and early math concepts
• Practice emotional regulation, focus, and cooperation

Music instruction is not just fun; it is foundational.  These are intentional, research-backed learning opportunities.  Learning opportunities that are clearly aligned with Learning Care Group’s mission of whole-child development.

The RockStarts program activates all areas of brain development, including motor skills, language, cognition, and social-emotional learning.  While doing so, it strengthens auditory processing, supports language development, improves self-regulation, and increases neural efficiency.  In other words, consistent music instruction is not just enriching our children; it is preparing them for a successful educational future.

This is why children thrive in Mr. Nick’s class. His music instruction offers consistent, joyful, developmentally rich experiences that benefit every child in the room.

And yet, at a time when families are already under financial strain, this essential program is being transformed into an optional, parent-paid activity. Please, consider what we’re being asked to absorb:

1. A significant monthly tuition increase
2. An upcoming $200 curriculum charge
3. Already standing opt-in activity fees

And now music, one of the most impactful and beloved parts of the school experience, is being placed behind a dreaded paywall.

This is not a responsible policy. It’s not sustainable for families. And most importantly, it’s not fair to the kids.

What happens when some children in a classroom attend music and others are left behind? What message does it send when a trusted, beloved educator like Mr. Nick becomes a privilege, not a shared part of the day? Will you burden your teachers with the task of explaining that some children “get” music, while others simply... don’t?

It’s heartbreaking. And it is fundamentally misaligned with everything The Young School and Learning Care Group say they stand for.

Learning Care Group's own promise states:

“We provide infants to school-age children a consistent, safe, and enriching environment to instill a lifelong love of learning and provide a solid foundation for a successful educational future.”

This program is enriching. It is foundational. And it must remain inclusive.

We respectfully ask Learning Care Group to:

• Maintain the RockStarts music enrichment program as part of regular tuition
• Ensure that all children can continue to participate in this key developmental program
• Honor your commitment to equity, innovation, and whole-child development

Thank you for your time, your attention, and your care.

At a time when equity is being questioned, budgets are being cut, and stability is more essential than ever, especially through the eyes of the youngest children, we ask you to protect what matters most.

Music offers connection, consistency, joy, and deep developmental benefits. Let’s keep it in the classroom, where it belongs.  For every child, every week, no exceptions.

With respect and appreciation,

The Undersigned Families of The Young School