To Whom It May Concern,

We, the undersigned, respectfully petition to reverse the decision to close the Rowan Early Childhood Demonstration Center (ECDC), a cornerstone of our campus and community, effective August 31, 2025. The ECDC is more than just a childcare facility, it is a vital learning environment that supports children, families, students, and educators alike.

Why the ECDC Matters:

High-Quality Early Childhood Education:
The ECDC provides exceptional care and developmentally appropriate education for children ages 3–6, rooted in research-based practices and aligned with the NJ Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards. It fosters cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth during the most critical years of brain development, preparing children for school and life success.

Expansion Into Infant and Toddler Care:
The ECDC has recently taken steps to expand its services to include infants and toddlers, an urgently needed initiative in our region. This expansion would help address the critical shortage of high-quality early care
options for children under 3 and further align with the university's mission of supporting working families and professional training.

A Living Lab for Future Educators:
As a Demonstration Center within Rowan University’s College of Education, the ECDC offers hands-on teaching and practicum opportunities for Early Childhood and Inclusive Education majors. Student workers gain invaluable classroom experience under certified professionals, bridging theory and practice in a real-world setting that directly enhances their preparation and confidence as future educators.

Support for Rowan Faculty, Staff, and Students:
The ECDC is a crucial lifeline for working parents on campus, offering the convenience and peace of mind of on-site childcare. It enables Rowan employees and students to remain focused and productive, knowing their children are receiving quality care in a safe, nurturing environment close by.

A Model of Community Partnership and Inclusion:
The ECDC reflects the University’s core values of community, diversity, and inclusion. It is a space where children of all backgrounds and abilities are welcomed, and where families feel seen, supported, and engaged.

What We Are Asking:

We urge University leadership and decision-makers to consider all alternatives before closing this essential program. We believe a solution exists, and we stand ready to be part of it.

A time-sensitive matter.
We are on a tight timeline, and the decision to close the ECDC is imminent. Immediate action is required. Every signature, letter, and testimony from our community helps build the case to preserve this vital institution. By signing this petition, we affirm our belief that the ECDC must be protected and preserved, not just for today’s families, but for future generations of children, students, and educators.

In the event that the university remains steadfast in their position to close the ECDC, a proposal has also been submitted to transition the ECDC under a new leadership model while preserving its mission, staff, and educational excellence. We ask Rowan to give serious consideration to this plan and to work collaboratively with stakeholders to find a sustainable path forward.

Sincerely,
The Undersigned Community of Families, Faculty, Students, and Supporters of the ECDC