We, the parents and families of Children's First Daycare, urgently call on state and local leaders, as well as the community, to take immediate action to prevent the displacement of over 70 families relying on this trusted childcare center.

Children's First Daycare, located on the campus of the Arkansas School for the Deaf and the Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, is facing imminent closure due to ongoing construction aimed at modernizing facilities for these schools.  While we support improvements to educational institutions, this sudden closure threatens to leave our families without access to safe, reliable childcare in just a matter of weeks.

This closure puts our children, jobs, and families at risk.

We respectfully call on the following stakeholders to take urgent action:

1. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders: As the leading proponent of the $30 million project to upgrade the Arkansas School for the Deaf and the Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, we urge you to intervene and provide an immediate extension for Children's First Daycare to transition safely to a new location. 

2. Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva: Given your role in overseeing educational facilities, we request your assistance in supporting expedited relocation efforts by streamlining the permitting and licensing processes required for daycare facilities. 

3. Robert Fagan, Chairman of the Board for ASD and ASB: Recognizing your commitment to the well-being of students, we seek your advocacy in ensuring that the construction project considers the needs of the daycare and the families it serves. 

Children's First Daycare is more than just a childcare facility. It is a vital part of our community, providing a safe and nurturing space where children grow, learn, and thrive. Its sudden closure will leave families scrambling to find alternatives, create financial hardships for parents unable to work, and put unnecessary strain on the Arkansas childcare system.

With construction already underway, time is of the essence. We urge the state and associated stakeholders to act swiftly and ensure that Children's First Daycare and the families it serves are not left behind.

We ask all community members, local organizations, and leaders to join us in standing up for the children and families who rely on this essential resource. Together, we can demand action to give Children's First Daycare the time and support needed to safely relocate and continue serving the families of Arkansas.

Please sign this petition to show your support for Children's First Daycare and demand action to protect our families and children.