“We would like to be able to serve more children from UA student families and be able to include more UA students from other majors across campus whose interests in observing young children match their career choices,” said Baldwin.
“The teachers are the backbone for sure.”
University students and faculty, along with parents, can come to the center and view the children behind one-way mirrors and use headphones to hear the interactions of the children and teachers. This feature is an important tool that students majoring in the field of childhood development are able to use to have a virtual lab and to be able to transfer what they hear and see to what they are learning in the traditional classroom setting. “Real-life experiences in the classroom with children are extremely beneficial to UA student learning, and we are most thankful for the ability to provide these opportunities through the JTCDSC,” said Baldwin. “The teachers are the backbone for sure,” said Baldwin. “They deliver program planning, age-appropriate curriculum and facilitate quality-learning opportunities.”
Walsh echoed the same feelings and said, “Our teachers are the reason we have achieved what we have and have gained the NAEYC highest standards.” The JTCDSC is committed to be a place of care and learning for children from 8 weeks to 5 years of age and to educate university students in the field of childhood development. JTCDSC looks forward to every new day that brings new insights to the care of children and education of UA students as they become professionals in the area of childhood development. The JTCDSC also strives to be a leading educational facility for not only the students but also the faculty who utilize it daily. The JTCDSC welcomes visitors and encourages the next time you are in the area to stop and listen to the laughs, clapping hands and voices from the children and staff inside. JTCDSC staff and children enjoying time outside on the playground before lunchtime.
cost, conserve energy, water and other resources. The center was cited for its utilization of energysaving systems and the use of natural sunlight and low-volatility organic compounds. A major aspect of the center that sets it apart is the educational qualifications of the teachers who are employed at the center. “We currently have 22 full-time teachers who all have bachelors degrees or higher in child development or early childhood education, along with four curriculum coordinators all of whom have masters degrees or higher,” said Walsh. “Our teachers and curriculum coordinators work closely with each other and university staff and students to make the center the quality that it is.” Vernoice Baldwin, executive director of educational programs at JTCDSC, has seen many changes during her time with the child development program, and she is excited to be part of the new center and see the growth continue. “Because there are more students majoring in child development and birth-to-five years, there is a greater need to provide UA students with places for observation of young children as well as opportunities for interaction with children,” said Baldwin, It is estimated that over 300 students and faculty will use the center for research and learning space in the coming year.
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