It has come to the LMU community's attention that the future of the university’s Children’s Center (LMUCC) is at risk, with possible outcomes including its discontinuation, relocation off campus, or outsourcing to a corporation. Any option that removes LMUCC from the campus community or dissolves LMUCC would be devastating—not only for working LMU families but also for the broader Westchester community, where LMUCC holds a stellar reputation. 

Please sign the petition to support the continuation of LMUCC as a part of the Westchester campus community.

LMUCC contributes to the University in countless ways, including:

• enhancing LMU employment opportunities and student learning, as LMUCC employs 55 work study students annually, and benefits pedagogical goals of many majors and minors (e.g. Applied Developmental Psychology, Education, Economics);
• enabling the university to attract top undergraduate and graduate students, which is dependent on recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, including women, who can serve as role models and mentors;
• and enhancing LMU’s visibility and reputation within the Westchester community and serving as an important outreach opportunity for LMU to the members of the Westchester and Playa Vista communities.

LMUCC has been recognized as the best childcare on the Westside by The Argonaut for 12 consecutive years, has been NAEYC accredited since 2010 (only 10% of centers nationally) and is thus a source of pride for the Westchester community.

Families on the Westside navigate a complicated system of various, piecemeal, and expensive childcare options. LMUCC is a lifeline for faculty, staff, and students, providing the support necessary to manage the challenges of raising a family and working. Its elimination would call into question LMU’s commitment to supporting working families, particularly women, and would represent a step away from the values of cura personalis and community engagement that define us.

Follow LMUCC on Instagram to show your support!
@lmuchildrenscenter

We ask the following of LMU, including President Poon, Interim Provost Weaver, and COO John Kiralla:

1. That LMU immediately make a public statement endorsing LMUCC and the necessity of the center, staffed by LMU, on the Westchester campus.
2. That the community be involved in the fact-finding and decision-making process regarding the center.
3. That LMUCC be included in the revised Master Plan and Specific Plan.
4. That LMUCC be recognized as an "amenities and services available to the local community" provided by LMU to the community, consistent with the Objective 6-4.5 of the Westchester-Playa del Rey Community Plan.
5. That the Provost, President, and COO support AND directly engage with flexible and creative approaches to increase affordability and accessibility of LMUCC for all faculty and staff.