History

A group of married students in Dr. Mildred Pratt's course acknowledged the need for a center to meet the needs of students with children.

The ISU Child Care Center is opened

With the dedication of the students and faculty, the Child Care Center (Center) opens as an Registered Student Organization (RSO). The original location of the CCC was in two apartments of Married Student Housing, which is now Cardinal Court. The center served no more than 12 students and parents provided snacks and lunch. The fees were based on a sliding scale depending on family income. The mission at this time was to provide affordable child care to children of ISU students. The first Parent Advisory Board was created and the first Director was David Morgan, M.S.

The Center moved into its current location Turner Hall 163 after outgrowing the Married Student Housing location. The site was able to accommodate 30 children ages 3-8. In addition, the Center was given one of the Metcalf School kindergarten classrooms to operate as a half day program for 16 children attending kindergarten half-days. The Center was run by The Parent Advisory Board which included two faculty members and two community representatives.

During this first year in its new locations, Dr. Kay Smith served as the Executive Director over the Director of the CCC. At this time Home Economics, now Family and Consumer Sciences, began to assign lab students during the fall and spring semesters. The CCC also became part of the ISBE Child Care and Adult Food Program which provided breakfast, hot lunch and snacks for the children. This endeavor was supported by many but especially Dr. Alma Bremer, a food and nutrition professor in the department.

The location in Metcalf was given back, and another location within the building was opened. The CCC served children in Fairchild Hall 105 and provided care in Turner Hall 163.

Barbara Huffman, M.S., became Director of the CCC.

Director Barbara Huffman also taught one Home Economics course per semester. This practice of teaching courses continues for every Director.

BThe CCC brought on a new Director, Karen Stephens, M.S.

In 1981, two head teachers were hired for the Turner Hall site which operated longer hours. Prior to 1980 the classrooms were staffed with one teacher, and college students were teacher aides to meet the ratio standards. During this time, parents paid a flat rate of $50 per week to support staff expenditures.

To meet the needs of children, teacher aides, and practicum students, a third teacher was hired.

The CCC became NAEYC accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The staff implemented the Project Approach for classroom curriculum and transformed the classroom environment to reflect inspiration from the world-renowned child care programs in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

WZND, Illinois State University's student radio station, begins to sponsor philanthropic events to benefit the CCC. Since then they've annually raised a minimum of $1,000 for the CCC.

Renovations were made to the play yard to extend the learning outdoors into a natural setting. Chuck Scott, previously of the ISU Grounds Staff, was a valued part of this effort.

The Fairchild Hall site closed.

The entire Turner Hall building closed down for life and safety renovations including asbestos abatement. Upon re-opening in August, 2010 the CCC had a renovated bathroom, new flooring/carpet, lighting, ceiling, new energy efficient doors and windows, and electrical/plumbing throughout the Center.

Acting Director Carol Weisheit, M.S., is hired. A Task Force is formed by Dr. Ani Yazedjian, Chair of Family and Consumer Sciences, to review issues surrounding the needs of the CCC. The Center undergoes a new branding effort. The Center installs a new electronic access security system.

New Director, Carrie Carlson is hired. The center begins pursuing national accreditation through NAEYC.

In March, the Center is once again awarded national accreditation through NAEYC. In July, the Center was awarded the Gold level of quality through the ExceleRate IL program for it's commitment to quality and providing an enhanced learning environment.