Press Release: 11/2/2026
Updated In quotes: Smith College REVISES plans to close its early childhood center next June
Alyssa Haywoode
OCTOBER 30, 2026
Update 10.31.26:
“In the nearly two weeks since I announced the decision to close the Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) at Fort Hill in June 2027, I have heard deep concern, impassioned feedback, and thoughtful questions from across our campus and broader community. Thank you to those who have shown up with care.
“Our work focused on creating a broader childcare benefit. Your feedback has clarified that this was only an initial phase, and it has underscored the need for a dedicated second phase—one that creates intentional space for dialogue, additional discussion of equity, engagement with campus expertise, understanding of the childcare landscape, and open listening.
“To give us the necessary time to consult with members of our community, Smith will continue to operate CECE at Fort Hill through at least summer 2029 as we more fully explore options for the College to support faculty and staff childcare needs. Our goal is to reach a decision on next steps by December 2027. This provides continuous enrollment for families and gives parents and teachers at least 18 months after that date to plan with confidence.
“We will also move ahead with launching the new childcare benefit as communicated, and Fort Hill subsidies will remain in place.
“Extending Fort Hill’s operation does not resolve every uncertainty or address every issue. However, it provides families an option for childcare while we make the time needed for more consideration and collaboration with our shared governance bodies and expertise within our community to work on the challenges ahead.”
—an email from Smith College President Sarah Willie-LeBreton. Read more at MassLive.com
Original post:
“Smith College is closing its Center for Early Childhood Education at Fort Hill, prompting city leaders to explore alternative options to preserve local child care capacity.
“The center at Fort Hill has provided a safe environment for children to learn and grow. The announcement comes as rising costs and broader economic uncertainty create financial strain for families seeking early education services.”
” ‘So if they close in June, the entire summer at the very least is not covered,’ said parent Laura Aierstuck.
“The potential loss of Fort Hill comes as Northampton is already experiencing a shortage of available childcare. Lindsay Poirier, an associate professor of statistical and data sciences at Smith College, estimates that Northampton has 233 infants but only 74 confirmed infant childcare spaces.
“ ‘This means that there’s 3.2 infants per slot and that we’re already currently in what is known as an infant child care desert,’ Poirier said.”
“The closure would also eliminate approximately 30 jobs at Fort Hill. Teachers at the center voted unanimously to unionize in 2024. Christine Hatch, a UMass Extension professor and union member, joined Wednesday’s rally in support of the childcare workers.
“ ‘So we’re here to support fellow workers continuing to teach and educate, which is what we love to do,’ Hatch said.”
—“Families rally against planned closure of Fort Hill childcare center at Smith College,” by Kayleigh Thomas, WWLP22, October 29, 2026