Dear Editor,

As early childhood educators with a combined 58 years of experience caring for Nederland’s children, we have seen firsthand the increasing need for year-round childcare in our community. We are incredibly grateful that TEENS, Inc. stepped up to open the Nederland Early Learning Center (NELC) in 2019, ensuring that our town continued to have access to licensed, year-round childcare.

While NELC is a special place for our children, its current building can only accommodate about 20 children each day. This limitation leaves many families without the care they desperately need, so once again, TEENS, Inc. is rising to the occasion to address the overwhelming demand for early childhood education and care.

We have taught so many of our residents over the years and there is nothing better than when a child we had in our preschool class returns as an adult with their own children. More childcare will help young families stay in our community and preserve the special place it has always been where children can grow up and choose to stay to raise their own families.

We hope Nederland voters will Vote Yes in the special election and clear the path for TEENS, Inc. to build a new building and make caring, fun, and educational year-round childcare available to all the families in need as soon as possible.

Karen Campbell and Lisa McCoy

Preschool Directors, NELC