Student-parents on campus at Idaho State University vary from single parents with newborn children to parents with entire families to care for at home. What many of them have in common is the balance they work to achieve by utilizing campus resources like the Early Learning Center (ELC).
The ELC cares for children between the ages of six weeks to 11 years (or fifth grade) and many parents on campus say it is one of the best resources they have found when trying to balance school, work and home.
Kimberly Hampton is a full-time student and single mother to three children who said the ELC has helped her immensely.
“It has helped a lot having the ELC right there,” said Hampton. “I don’t have to worry about driving across town for daycare and then going to classes, everything is right there. It also helped with the kids’ separation anxiety knowing that mom was right down the road if anything went wrong.”
Hampton said having the ELC on campus was especially helpful during the winter in times of poor road conditions.
Student-parent Shawnee Van Dyke began utilizing the ELC this semester. She said she appreciates the training that employees and caregivers at the ELC have because she feels secure knowing that her child is in good hands.
ELC providers have backgrounds or training in early childhood education and are enrolled in the IdahoSTARS Professional Development System and licensed by the City of Pocatello. Licensing requires providers have a criminal background check, be currently certified in CPR and First Aid and receive additional annual training.
The ELC also acts as a training center for students at ISU enrolled in the College of Technology’s Early Childhood Care and Education Program.
Van Dyke also enjoys not having to worry about having breakfast made and lunches packed for her two-year old son every morning.
“I can just drop him off and they feed him breakfast and lunch at the ELC so I don’t have to worry about making sure he’s getting those things while I am at work or in class,” explained Van Dyke.
The biggest issue according to most student-parents is finding a balance, as every obligation in their lives is important.
For student-parent Dustin Nicholas, school is “top-of-the-totem-pole” in terms of priorities because he is determined to be the first in his family to graduate from college.
“Whatever available time I have outside of school and work is entirely committed to my wife, son and daughter,” said Nicholas.
Nicholas spends quality time with his family until they head to bed, and then he said it was time to hit the books.
“I’m usually up until one or two in the morning and then I get back up at seven o’clock in the morning and do it again,” said Nicholas.
“I want [my children] to be proud of me. Both of my kids are very smart and they mean the world to me,” he added.