Programs + Initiatives

• The CEC presented during the Reach Higher 2025 Showcase, informing the Grand Valley community about the hands on learning, laboratory experience, and partnerships they provide as part of an enriched learning experience for Laker learners.
• Strategized and developed department and staff personal goals and commitments to best support a Diverse, Inclusive, and Equitable experience and environment for our community
• Maintained Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP) grant
• Offered summer camps with various activities on two GVSU campuses - campus trails, ponds, Arboretum, Farmer’s Market, and Lubbers Stadium
• For the second summer, CEC received a Summer Day Camp license in order to expand summer care options for the GVSU community, providing care for an additional 20 children.

Campus Partnerships

The CEC partnered with 20+ departments including campus field trips and
tours, student employment, classroom assignments and research, as well as
access to recreation areas for large motor skills development.

In Fall 2022 and Winter 2023, the Health and Physical Education (HPE)
program partnered with GVSU’s Children’s Enrighment Center (CEC) to teach
health and physical education to the P3 class (4 & 5 year-olds). Little Lakers
preschool students were provided with instruction for 60-minutes including
10 minutes of dance instruction and 20 minutes of station work:

• Balance beam - working on “animal walks” to build strength
• Wedge mats and gymnastics bars - working on rolling and muscular strength
• Gross motor skills station
• 20 minute health lesson, using the Michigan Model Curriculum

These significant partnerships give GVSU students the benefit of hands-on learning and application while the CEC Little Lakers gain many of the
academic rewards.