The GVSU Children's Center has been honored for its pioneering efforts in providing quality child care for students, faculty, and staff at the university for the past 25 years.
The GVSU Children's Center this week received a Grandparent award during the ninth annual Michigan Child Care Challenge in Lansing. The award is sponsored by the House Republican Task Force on Child Care. House Republicans annually honor organizations that help their employees meet child care needs through inventive means and solutions.
The need for child care was addressed early on at Grand Valley State University, explains Mary Ann Krause, Director of the GVSU Children's Center. It is what sets us apart from other colleges and universities.
The GVSU Children's Center has been in operation for 25 years since opening its doors in 1975. The Center, which provides child care to 57 children is staffed primarily by GVSU students and serves as an observatory site for child development, nursing, physical therapy, and art students.
Any time you are recognized feels good, says Mike Harrald, Assistant Director of the GVSU Center. When it is a matter providing a service that deals with a love of working with children it is extremely gratifying.
Krause explains that providing multicultural experiences and appreciating each child's uniqueness are focal points for the Center. They also offer workday emergency care, child care referrals, and parenting support groups.
Our mission is to provide a safe, educational and child-centered home away from home for the children of students, staff, alumni, and the surrounding community, says Krause.
