Immigration crackdowns have led to significant declines in enrollment at Philadelphia’s Children’s Playhouse Early Learning Center, impacting both the community and the livelihoods of teachers and families.
Since the onset of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement, the Children’s Playhouse Early Learning Center in south Philadelphia has faced a dramatic decline in enrollment, leading to the closure of one classroom and the layoff of five teachers, all of whom are U.S. citizens. Owner Damaris Alvarado-Rodriguez reports that many parents in her predominantly Hispanic community, even those with valid immigration status, have “gone into hiding.”
“There were so many policies at once that they didn’t know how they would be affected,” Damaris explained. “They were afraid of dropping their children off at school and having ICE waiting for them.” The center, which serves children aged 0 to 5, previously enrolled 158 children, the maximum allowed. Today, that number has plummeted to 97.
In addition to childcare, the Children’s Playhouse provides essential services such as job tips, educational sessions, and donations of food, diapers, and clothing. Damaris, a businesswoman originally from New York City, operates three Children’s Playhouses in Philadelphia. The impact of the immigration crackdown has been felt deeply, not only in the number of children attending but also in the community’s overall well-being.
“If the situation continues, I wonder if I’ll have to shut this location down,” Damaris said, expressing concern that such a move would cost 23 more teachers their jobs. “We haven’t been able to fill our classrooms—people are afraid. Now I’m really second-guessing running the childcare center. If we can’t enroll, we can’t continue in business.”
The absence of children and families in the community is striking. Damaris notes that she rarely sees children playing outside or families participating in local events. The usual vans transporting residents to factory and construction jobs have also disappeared. Some families have chosen to self-deport, seeking to escape the pervasive fear that has taken hold. “Nobody wants to live in fear,” she said.
<p“All of this dismantles so much of the work that we’ve put into building up our community,” Damaris lamented. “These are hardworking people. They contribute to society. We [the daycare centers] help build that economic growth.”
As for the children who are no longer attending the preschool, Damaris is left wondering about their fate. “I don’t know,” she said. “I would love to know. I hope they’re OK.”
The daycare center has provided these children with more than just socialization and learning opportunities. Damaris actively raises funds to ensure that families in need receive meals, diapers, infant formula, and clothing. “We like to fill in those gaps,” she said.
“We know that most of the children are food-deprived,” Damaris added. “I pray that they’re OK, that they’re good and safe.”
The challenges faced by the Children’s Playhouse Early Learning Center highlight the broader implications of immigration policies on local communities, particularly those reliant on immigrant families. The fear and uncertainty surrounding immigration enforcement have not only affected enrollment but also the overall fabric of the community.
As Damaris continues to navigate these turbulent times, her commitment to the families she serves remains unwavering. The Children’s Playhouse stands as a testament to the resilience of immigrant communities and the vital role that childcare centers play in supporting them.
According to American Immigration Council, the impact of immigration crackdowns extends beyond individual families, affecting the entire community and its economic stability.