Like many others within the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) community, I've been deeply impacted by the closure of the Child Development Lab on our campus. As an education major, the experience of interacting, observing, and engaging in practical training involved with child development is invaluable and irreplaceable. It extends beyond the theory learned in the classrooms; it is hands-on, real-world learning that truly prepares prospective teachers like myself for a career in education.

North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC has always been committed to providing limitless opportunities for its students. The Child Development Lab was one of those opportunities that was making an incredibly positive impact not only on the university but also on the community. According to NC Early Childhood Foundation, 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the age of five, highlighting how vital early intervention and education programs, such as our Child Development Lab, can be in creating a strong foundation for every child's future (NCECF).

Our call is bold, but our urgency is justified: we are demanding that North Carolina Central University administration reconsider their decision and prioritize reopening the Child Development Lab. This action is vital not only for us, the education students who use it as a fundamental resource, but also for the families and children in the community who depend on it for their early education needs.

Knowledge is power; practice is progress. Join us in bringing back this essential educational resource to our campus. Please sign and support our petition.