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About Us
NAEYC accreditation
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) administers the nation's largest professionally sponsored, voluntary accreditation system for all types of early childhood centers and schools. Our center underwent the intensive self-study process and peer validation. On April 30th, 2005 we were granted NAEYC Accreditation. The Criteria by which we were evaluation and additional information on accreditation can be found at NAEYC's website at www.naeyc.org/accreditation.
CCAMPIS grant
The Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Grant, received through the United States Department of Education by WMU's College of Education Department of Teaching, Learning and Leadership and WMU Children's Place Learning Center, provides high quality, affordable child care to preschool and toddler-aged children. Recognizing the unique needs faced by many student parents, the program emphasizes nurturing care, flexibility, affordability and support. Emphasis on children's participation in developmentally appropriate activities, low staff: child ratios, supporting interactions between staff and children, and providing parent education and support programming and resources enables the delivery of high quality services that meet the needs of student-parents and their young children.
On January 7, 2002, WMU Children's Place Learning Center opened enrollment to include toddlers, starting at 18 months of age. The toddler program was funded through the CCAMPIS grant which was applied for and awarded to the Children's Place and the WMU College of Education. On October 1, 2005, we received a second CCAMPIS grant allowing the center to offer discounted child care in both preschool and toddler rooms to eligible student-parents, who participate in the parent success program.
WMU's College of Education provides many hands-on opportunities to students during their undergraduate teacher preparation program. Early Childhood students have unique opportunities to gain experience and knowledge working with preschoolers and toddlers at the Children's Place. Working under the direction of specially trained faculty and staff, student will gain skills in integrating curriculum and interacting with children while learning about social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Students also have the opportunities to work closely with and to develop programming and supportive services for parents.