Caring for kids on campus

A group of buildings is located far from the hustle and bustle of people scurrying to class.

Warren Hall, home to Yuba’s campus daycare facility, may be far removed from the main campus, but it is perhaps the busiest and most educational place to be found at Yuba College. The Warren Hall complex houses such worthwhile programs as the state funded Childhood Development Center and the Federally funded Head Start Program.

The Early Childhood Development Internship Program is also available, offering Early Childhood Education students the opportunity to work on campus with participating children to gain experience before they begin careers in childhood development.

Dr. Anne Kress, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator places her students with children at the daycare through this internship program, which she regards as one of “the best kept secrets on campus.”

Kress’s program gives the students of Early Childhood Education valuable hands on experience that enables them to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real life situations.

“This program gave me the great opportunity to practice what I’ve learned in the classroom. It’s made me very confident,” commented Patricia Schweitzer, a student in the program.

“The daycare center, without which, the Early Childhood Education intern program would not be possible, is a wonderful resource that more people at Yuba College should be aware of,” explained Dr. Kress.There are two childcare programs housed at the Marysville campus: The Childhood Development Center (CDC) and the Head Start Program. Both programs include different qualification requirements and offer financial assistance to those who qualify.

Dr. Kress suggested that interested students apply for both programs to determine which one they are most qualified for, noting that applying for both programs enhances one’s chance of receiving financial assistance.

Applications for the 2002 Spring semester program will be accepted beginning in October. Applicants are advised to submit all necessary paperwork as soon as possible because openings in the mid-semester often depend on the changing schedules of participating parents.

Both the CDC and the Head Start Program accept children from parents that don’t attend Yuba College; however, both programs give preference to children of students.

“I feel it’s important for students to know these programs are available to them. We’re here to help them,” said Dr. Kress.

Dr. Kress explained that both programs offer an interactive learning environment.

“We’re not here to just baby-sit your children, we stimulate their minds.”

Since both programs are funded by the State and Federal governments, the daycare center is held to certain state guidelines. For example, daily time allotments for structured play and learning are required, and all participating children are separated by age.

The center’s infant and toddler program accommodates children from six weeks to three years old, and the preschool program includes children from three to five years of age. Each age group benefits from story time, dress-up areas and a spacious outside play yard with recently updated equipment.

The safety and well being of their children is a big concern of the parents.

“Safety, which is a big concern for parents, is a high priority here,” emphasized Dr. Kress.

The facility is locked to the public and everyone who visits the center has to check into the main office and obtain a visitor’s pass before they can enter. The children are under constant adult supervision. In addition, all of the student interns and full-time employees of the program have gone through a criminal background check before they’re hired.

Many parents feel very uncomfortable leaving their children at daycare; having their child with them on campus is not only convenient but offers piece of mind. Many parents feel comfortable knowing that they are only a short walk away from their child, and can check on them whenever they choose.

These programs offer a safe, loving, learning environment that is open to all who would like to apply. For more information on the CDC contact Judy Huff at 749-3808. For more information on the Head start program contact the program office at 741-2995.