Tash Mahnokaren
Staff Writer
A common issue for parents is finding someone to watch one’s children. This often deters non-traditional students from receiving a college education.
Idaho State University, a relatively non-traditional campus, understands this is a genuine concern for parents.
Idaho State University’s Early Learning Center has served the campus community since 1996. Tracing its origin all the way back to the 1970s, the ELC first began as a parent co-op. Prior to this, childcare facilities on campus were scattered.
“They were all on campus but they would have the infant program in one building and the toddler program in another building,” said ELC Director Kerri Williams.
The ELC provides a safe, caring and nurturing environment for children of ISU parents, staff, faculty and alumni. While parents are getting an education, their children are also getting the intellectual stimulation needed to nurture young minds.
The ELC plans activities that give children a wholesome experience.
“We usually plan activities for them according to their age group,” said Williams. “We make sure that they are mentally appropriate for that age group, and lessons planned are posted every day, even for the infant room and daily schedule.”
“When they are playing, that is their work,” she continue. “They are discovering and exploring and making connections through what looks to us like playing.”
Children at the ELC are assessed quarterly to ensure they are receiving appropriate mental stimulation for their level. Children can be pushed up to a higher level or given more attention.
In partnership with the Student Activities Board, the ELC also provides free childcare to ISU students during Parents’ Night Out. To give parents a night to themselves, the SAB organizes Parents’ Night Out, where parents of ISU are encouraged to meet at the Bengal Theater for a free movie, while their children are looked after by the ELC.
Along with providing quality childcare, the ELC also provides jobs for the community and ISU students.
“We have about 18 full-time staff members, and most of our part-time staff members are students,” said Williams.
The ELC is funded primarily through the fees that parents provide and a portion of school fees.
“We are a part of the Child and Adult Care food program of the United States Department of Agriculture, and they reimburse us a portion of our expenses for our food program,” said Williams.
Being the close-knit community that ISU is, every effort is taken to engage the children of the ELC with the various departments of ISU.
“We get programs that come here and do observation and practicum activities,” said Williams. “Dental hygiene, physical therapy and occupational therapy will come in sometimes and do activities with the children.”
The various departments on campus have also been generous and accommodating to the needs of the ELC.
“We use stuff on campus all the time, like the Craft Shop,” said Williams. “Sometimes cosmetology on campus has them come and do face painting.”
Giving priority to full-time ISU students, the ELC caters to a variety of races and ethnicities.
“We have everybody; it’s great,” said Williams. “A lot of foreign students bring their children with them, and it is great for everybody to have all the different cultures here. It is enriching for all of us.”
Moving forward with the program, William hopes to expand its services to the community.
“We are here; we have the space. Why not let them utilize our center?” said Williams. “It creates a good relationship between the community, ISU and the center, too.”
