Immigration crackdowns have led to significant declines in enrollment at Philadelphia’s Children’s Playhouse Early Learning Center, impacting both the community and the children it serves.
Since the onset of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, the Children’s Playhouse Early Learning Center in south Philadelphia has faced a dramatic decline in enrollment, prompting owner Damaris Alvarado-Rodriguez to close one classroom and lay off five teachers, all of whom are U.S. citizens. The center, which serves a primarily immigrant community, has seen parents go into hiding, fearing the repercussions of immigration enforcement.
Damaris, who operates three Children’s Playhouses in the city, describes her centers as vital community hubs. They provide not only childcare but also job tips, educational sessions, and essential donations such as food, diapers, and clothing. However, the atmosphere has changed drastically as fear permeates the community.
Before the crackdown, the center was at full capacity, enrolling 158 children aged 0 to 5, nearly all from Hispanic or Asian immigrant families. Today, that number has plummeted to 97. Damaris expresses deep concern for the absent children, many of whom she believes are facing food insecurity. “We know that most of the children are food-deprived,” she said. “I pray that they’re OK.”
The impact of the immigration policies has been profound. Even families with valid immigration status have chosen to keep their children at home, fearing that dropping them off at school could lead to encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “There were so many policies at once that they didn’t know how they would be affected,” Damaris explained.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of her daycare center weighs heavily on Damaris. She fears that if enrollment does not improve, she may have to shut down the location entirely, resulting in the loss of 23 additional teaching jobs. “We haven’t been able to fill our classrooms—people are afraid,” she said. “Now I’m really second-guessing running the childcare center. If we can’t enroll, we can’t continue in business.”
Beyond the operational challenges, Damaris is troubled by the broader implications for the families she no longer sees. The once-bustling neighborhood is now eerily quiet, with fewer children playing outside and families missing from community events. She notes a significant decline in the number of adults commuting to work, with transportation services that once catered to factory and construction jobs now absent. Some families have even self-deported, seeking to escape the pervasive climate of fear. “Nobody wants to live in fear,” she said.
<p“All of this stuff 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 have disappeared from her preschool, Damaris is left with unanswered questions. “I don’t know,” she said. “I would love to know. I hope they’re OK.”
The Children’s Playhouse provides more than just a place for children to learn and socialize; it serves as a lifeline for families in need. Damaris regularly organizes fundraising efforts to supply meals, diapers, infant formula, and clothing to those who rely on her services. “We like to fill in those gaps,” she stated.
As the community grapples with the fallout from immigration crackdowns, the future of the Children’s Playhouse remains uncertain. Damaris continues to advocate for the families she serves, hoping for a return to stability and safety for all. “I pray that they’re good and safe,” she concluded.
According to American Immigration Council, the effects of these policies extend far beyond individual families, impacting the very fabric of communities across the nation.