Closure of Nuestros Niños Child Care Center Sparks Community Outcry

Local families unite to advocate for the preservation of Nuestros Niños, a cherished child care facility.

News Summary

The Nuestros Niños Child Care Center in Williamsburg is set to close after 51 years due to low enrollment and budget cuts, impacting many local families. Parents and staff are rallying against the decision, voicing concerns about the loss of a culturally significant institution that provides vital early childhood education and community support. Local leaders criticize the city’s priorities in family services as discussions about the future of early education in the area escalate.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn – The Nuestros Niños Child Care Center, a vital early childhood education facility in Williamsburg, is set to close at the end of the current school year following the NYC Department of Education’s (DOE) decision not to renew its lease. This decision impacts not only Nuestros Niños but also other early child care centers in the area, including Friends of Crown Heights, Grand Street Settlement, and Young Minds Child Care Program operated by the Fort Greene Council.

The closure has been attributed to a combination of low enrollment and budget cuts, which the DOE cited as primary reasons for discontinuing leases. The center, which has been serving the community for 51 years and currently caters to nearly 100 children and their families, was unaware of the DOE’s decision until parents could not find it listed in the DOE’s My Schools app.

Executive Director Ingrid Matias Chungata expressed frustration at the announcement, describing the decision as “a slap in the face.” This sentiment highlights the community’s surprise, especially since the center maintains full capacity in its 2-year-old and 3K programs.

According to Mayor Eric Adams, the lack of enrolled children was a significant factor, noting that at one point only four children were registered. However, the mayor also indicated a willingness to reconsider the decision if there was incorrect information regarding enrollment.

Parents have shown strong support for the center, with individuals like Estephanie Garcia sharing that her child is the third generation in her family to attend Nuestros Niños. This personal connection underscores the center’s importance in fostering familial and community ties.

Moreover, Nuestros Niños has distinguished itself by providing home-cooked meals tailored to children’s dietary needs, prepared by local grandmothers. This practice emphasizes not only cultural relevance but also inclusivity, making the center a beloved place for many families.

In response to the impending closure, the DOE stated its commitment to ensuring that children have access to high-quality education. The department has promised to work with families to transition affected students to nearby programs, although this may not be a satisfactory alternative for many community members.

In light of the closure announcement, both parents and staff are organizing to rally outside Nuestros Niños, encouraging others to contact local elected officials and advocate for the center’s continuation. This grassroots effort reflects the strong community spirit surrounding the child care facility.

The decision has drawn widespread criticism from local leaders, including Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who has called for a reevaluation of the city’s priorities in relation to family services and early education. Critics argue that the closure of such a culturally significant center detracts from essential community support systems.

Dominantly serving a Latino population, Nuestros Niños is noted for its commitment to embracing and preserving the community’s culture, making its closure particularly significant to local residents. As discussions continue surrounding the future of early childhood education in the area, many are left wondering how this decision will affect the community and the families who view the center as a cornerstone of support.

The impact of the DOE’s decision on Nuestros Niños is likely to resonate throughout the community, raising important questions about the availability of quality early education in Williamsburg and the future of family-oriented services in New York City.