TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — Tarrant County College announced Wednesday that it will close its Children’s Center Laboratory on Friday.
The Children’s Center Laboratory is located on the college's Northeast campus in Hurst and has been operating for 50 years. The early childhood development preschool program celebrated that milestone in September.
TCC has not given any details surrounding the closing, but TCC administration provided WFAA with a copy of a letter sent to parents regarding the closure, which read in part: "As the result of information brought to our attention, it is clear that some operations do not align with the standards of respect, care and professionalism that TCC demands."
In the letter, Chancellor Elva LeBlanc said TCC's administration plans to reevaluate the school's purpose and "restructure our preparations for early childhood professionals to meet job demand."
Currently, 23 children are enrolled in the program, according to TCC. Affected parents are now tasked with finding a new preschool for their children within a matter of days.
"We’re devastated," Cami Wheelis, who has two children enrolled in the program, told WFAA. "Having to tell your four-year-old he only has two days left with his teacher and class after moving him schools and homes in August is pretty devastating!"
Wheelis, who was on a two-year waiting list for the center, said she now has to find another daycare center with 72 hours of notice. Wheelis said the Children's Center Laboratory provided affordable childcare to families due to funding from grants.
"I'd like to see them make it right for the families that need childcare and for the teachers that have given everything," Wheelis said.
Another parent, Jason Dziuk, said parents were not given a clear or specific explanation about the decision to close the center.
"It's completely ridiculous. My four-year-old has no idea that his entire world, his most fun place is about to be completely destroyed," Dziuk said. "Nothing has been said, nothing makes sense. Whatever is going on, they don't want known."