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Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) has announced the phased closure of its Early Childhood Laboratory, a decision driven by financial constraints that have made the program increasingly unsustainable. Opened in 1975, the Janice A. Pattillo Early Childhood Research Center has provided quality care and education to children aged eight weeks to five years, focusing on autonomy, integrity, and problem-solving skills.
Despite the center’s commitment to quality education and care, operational costs have outstripped the income generated from parent fees. Over the past five years, SFA has subsidized the center with an additional $750,000, averaging over $100,000 annually, to keep the facility running. Increasing inflation and budgetary pressures across Texas universities have prompted SFA to find ways to reduce expenses.
“Everybody’s budgets are so tight as it is,” stated Korbin Pate, executive director of marketing and communications for SFA. “We can’t raise university tuition and are struggling to keep up with inflation.” The decision not to increase tuition fees was also made in recognition of the already high costs of child care, with monthly fees ranging from $885 for Pre-K II classrooms to $1,070 for infant care.
The closure of the Early Childhood Laboratory will begin with the infant room in the 2027-28 academic year, followed by the gradual shutdown of additional classrooms. This move is indicative of a larger trend affecting child care facilities across Texas, many of which face significant operating costs related to insurance, food, and payroll, leading to closures and the expansion of child care deserts—areas with insufficient child care options.
The announcement from SFA raises concerns about the impact of such closures on rural communities, particularly given that even well-supported institutions struggle to provide necessary child care services. “If a university can’t make it, what does that mean for the rest of the child care centers in the community and across the state?” questioned Kim Kofron, director of early childhood education for Children at Risk, a nonprofit focused on child well-being.
Programs like the Early Childhood Laboratory not only serve as crucial child care resources but also as training grounds for future early childhood educators. Rebecca Boyett, the lead teacher in the infant room, reflects on her own career development, stating, “The opportunity for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world experiences is an irreplaceable part of their education.” However, enrollment for early childhood education programs has declined by 30% over the last five years, further complicating the sustainability of such facilities.
Boyett has voiced concerns over the impending closure, which will eliminate 72 high-quality child care spots for families in East Texas. “The dedication, expertise, and passion of the teachers create an educational experience that is truly exceptional and unlike any other early childhood program in our area,” she emphasized. In response to the announcement, community members have initiated a petition to save the program, highlighting its critical role in providing quality child care to families.
The challenges faced by SFA’s Early Childhood Laboratory underscore the broader issues within the child care sector, where financial sustainability remains a significant hurdle. As communities rally to support their local child care facilities, the stakes are high for families relying on these essential services.
Disclosure: Children at Risk has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in The Texas Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
