International Working Parents Lost Essential Child Care Service at UNI CDC

I am writing to express my deep shock and concerns about the abrupt and disturbing decision made by the Iowa’s Research and Development School (R&D) concerning the child care service provided at the UNI Child Development Center (CDC).

My wife, Ying-Yan “Mavis” Njoo, and I were informed late Friday afternoon that our three-year-old son along with 25 other children of UNI faculty and staff members will no longer be able to attend the CDC in less than 2 months.

We’re truly honored to be a member of the Presidents Club and the UNI community, a place we’re proud to call home for the past 14 years. We love UNI. We cannot think of a better way to support the University by giving back and reaching out to those who in need. Our recent gift to UNI Foundation reflects our strong commitment and belief in UNI as well as supporting your goal in building “a multifaceted educational community” and creating “new opportunities for students and faculty that help recruit and retain the best teacher scholars” as outlined by the University.

The recent decision made by the R&D as we believe will work against the above goals. We take pride in being a part of the UNI international student and scholar community. However, we firmly believe that the decision has ruthlessly violated our very equal rights to pursue our personal, family, and professional goals here at UNI.

Our three-year-old son has been enrolled in CDC for about 2 years. The CDC and its excellent early-childhood professionals and student employees have been providing essential, high-quality care to our family. Limiting child care opportunities may put disproportionate burden of family care for minority groups, including international students and scholars like us. With no close family members around us, we feel saddened, isolated and extremely stressed by the decision.

In addition, I have also been volunteering my time to serve on the CDC Policy Board since September, 2009. As a current parent and policy board member, I also feel disrespected and dismayed by the fact that the R&D administration didn’t even take the time to properly inform and consult with us prior to making such an important decision.

Jason Lau, Ph.D. ’99, ’02
CDC Parent and Policy Board Member