The Early Learning Center (ELC) plays a critical role in the city of Malden. The students who are educated and receive therapeutic services through the ELC are both special education and regular education students, and rely on the experience and support offered by the professionals there whom they’ve come to know and trust throughout the years.

On May 26th, the Budget Sub-Committee of the Malden School Committee met to discuss next year’s school budget and the financial landscape. One of the scenarios discussed in planning for next year’s budget was the temporary closure of the Early Learning Center for a period of one year. When districts have discussed such actions in the past we’ve seen temporary closures extended -- often indefinitely. This proposal places students with high social/emotional and and therapeutic needs at risk in already challenging times, creating greater uncertainty for students and families, and creating a further divide between children who have access to early childhood education/interventions and children who have limited or no access. Access to high-quality early childhood education sets our youngest learners up to navigate the world to their highest potential.

We are calling on the Malden School Committee to keep the ELC fully open, and maintain both essential therapeutic services and education for all students into next year and beyond.