Save ITDC: Ridgewood Parents Fight Back Against “Profit-Driven” School Closures
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ,A 40-year legacy of early childhood education in Ridgewood is under threat, sparking a heated battle between local families and the Board of Education. The Ridgewood Infant Toddler Development Center (ITDC), which has served the community since 1983, is facing a controversial shutdown that parents claim is based on “mathematically inconsistent” data.
A Profitable Program on the Chopping Block?
On March 16, the district’s superintendent proposed closing ITDC as a cost-saving measure. However, parents and constituents have crunched the numbers, and the results tell a different story.
According to community researchers:
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Significant Revenue: In the last four years alone, ITDC has generated over $2.1 million in profit for the district.
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Fund Reallocation: The Board recently voted to use $571,000 in ITDC tuition dollars for capital improvements at the Glen School building—yet the very program that funded these upgrades is being phased out.
The Fight for Transparency
The core of the outrage stems from what parents describe as a “lack of engagement” and “shifting narratives” from the district. Despite repeated requests for detailed financial data and alternative solutions, families report five weeks of silence followed by a sudden email on April 17th.
The Current “Proposed” Plan:
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Classroom Cuts: Reduction from five classrooms down to only two (Toddlers and 2s).
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Intake Freeze: The district plans to stop accepting new infants.
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Absorption: The 3s and 4s programs will be absorbed into the neighboring REACH program.
“More Than Just Childcare”
Parents argue that ITDC is a pillar of the Ridgewood education infrastructure. They are drawing parallels to the recent public outcry from high school students supporting their wrestling coach, noting that the infants and toddlers affected by this decision simply aren’t old enough to speak up for themselves.
A community petition is now circulating, demanding that the Board of Education and the Superintendent’s Office provide accurate numbers, practice transparency, and explore alternatives to keep ITDC fully operational.
“We have received little direct response to our questions, and the numbers provided are empirically inconsistent with public presentations. This isn’t just about a school; it’s about accountability to the taxpayers and families who fund it.” — ITDC Parent Group
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