Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter to express my support for TEENS, Inc.’s proposal to establish an early childcare center at the Old Town Site location. I firmly believe that investing in early childhood education is a crucial step towards fostering a more promising future for our community. The Perry and Abecedarian Projects, among countless other studies, consistently demonstrate the significant impact of early childhood education on various aspects of an individual’s life, including higher education attainment, increased income potential, and overall well-being. Early childhood education lays the groundwork for essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills that are fundamental to a child’s success in school and beyond. If approved, TEENS, Inc.’s proposal will continue to contribute to the holistic development of our community’s youngest members but now on a scale that all families will have access to.

Moreover, the benefits of early childhood education extend beyond the individual child, positively influencing families, communities, and society at large. By supporting families in accessing reliable and high-quality childcare services, TEENS, Inc.’s initiative will empower parents to pursue their own educational and professional goals, thereby contributing to the overall socioeconomic development of our community.

Let’s take a look at postpartum mental health. The role of early childhood care centers extends far beyond mere childcare; they are essential contributors to the overall health and happiness of families. Maternal mental health, in particular, is intricately tied to a mother’s ability to balance the demands of family life with participation in the workforce. The proposal to create a nurturing space for young children is a visionary step towards addressing this crucial aspect of our community’s well-being. We live in a climate with 6-8 months of cold, wind and snow. As grateful as I am for the Gilpin community pool and Nederland library, it is, or feels at times, impossible to promote a social life for yourself and your young child when your options are so depressingly limited during these winter months.

According to Dr. Katherine Adlington, an academic clinical fellow at UCL Psychiatry and East London NHS Foundation Trust, “We know that depression and loneliness are often interconnected — each one can lead to the other - and this may be particularly true for perinatal depression [which includes postpartum depression].”

The availability of reliable childcare services is a key factor in mothers actively participating in the workforce. The proposed center will empower mothers to pursue career opportunities, education, and personal development, knowing that their children are receiving quality care and early education. This, in turn, can have a positive ripple effect on the economic vitality of our community.

Out of the 1,400+ residents of Nederland, less than a handful have expressed that the Old Town Site is not the appropriate location for an early childcare education center. It is disheartening to witness the passage of six years since the Board of Trustees expressed its intent for the Old Town Site to be designated for affordable housing, yet from my knowledge, there has been no discernible progress or concrete plans regarding how and when this might materialize. The scarcity of movement on this front has left our community grappling with the urgent need for practical solutions to immediate challenges.

By the same token, it is, in my opinion, ludicrous to even consider expanding our community in terms of housing when we are lacking the very basic fundamentals to support a well-functioning society. While the idea of growth and development is undoubtedly important, I believe it is imperative to address the fundamental components that lay the groundwork for a thriving society before embarking on such endeavors. Once we have established a solid educational infrastructure that can meet the needs of our current population, we can then responsibly explore avenues for expansion. It is only when we have secured the essential elements for a prosperous and well-balanced society that we can truly consider the feasibility of accommodating a larger population through housing development.

TEENS, Inc.’s proposal, though not directly addressing the need for affordable housing, offers a tangible and impactful solution to an immediate need within our community - quality early childhood care. The proposal is especially noteworthy given the credibility and success of TEENS, Inc. as a local organization with a proven track record of making positive contributions to our community. While the need for affordable housing remains critical, the absence of movement or plans in this regard highlights the complex challenges associated with such endeavors. In the meantime, the proposal for an early childhood care center at the Old Town Site represents an opportunity to address a pressing need efficiently and promptly.

I urge consideration and support for TEENS, Inc.’s proposal. While the need for affordable housing remains paramount, the immediacy and viability of TEENS, Inc.’s initiative cannot be overstated. I trust that, as stewards of our community’s wellbeing, we will prioritize the critical elements that contribute to a thriving society. Together, let us ensure that our community grows sustainably, with a firm foundation in education and a commitment to the prosperity of all its residents.

Thank you for your time and dedication to the betterment of our community.

Emily Perry

Nederland