Assemblywoman Joan Christensen lends support to Syracuse University Early Education and Child Care Center

Assemblywoman Joan Christensen lends support to Syracuse University Early Education and Child Care Center October 10, 2002Sara Millersemortim@syr.edu

On behalf of the New York State Community Service Provider Assistance Program (CSPAP), Assemblywoman Joan Christensen (D) of 119th District has provided $10,000 to the Syracuse University Early Education and Child Care Center for the purchase of classroom equipment to scaffold sociodramatic play. Additionally, the funding supports the creation of a new multicultural wall at the South Campus facility.

At 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11 Syracuse University Chancellor and President Kenneth A. Shaw and Senior Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs Barry L. Wells will gather at the multicultural wall to recognize New York State’s and Christensen’s generous support of the creative and intellectual development of children.

“The funds I secured for Syracuse University Early Education and Child Care Center are clearly helping this center provide an enriching and high quality learning environment for the children,” said Christensen. “I am proud to see the grant put to such good use and, as always, to work in collaboration with Syracuse University on behalf of children and the community.”

The Early Education and Child Care Center, one of 20 units in the Syracuse University Division of Student Affairs, is a full-day program for 60 children, ages two-months to five years, and has been in operation since 1974 to offer families affiliated with the University a responsive educational full daycare program for their children. The Center also provides professional training for undergraduate and graduate students. The children represent many different backgrounds and learning levels, and the Center’s tuition structure is based upon a sliding fee scale to assist families with lower incomes.

The recently announced funding will be used to purchase classroom equipment that promotes self-expression and creativity in children’s play. A rich stock of materials and play items helps teachers facilitate activity that encourages children to communicate through language and dramatics.

A portion of the CSPAP monies was combined with funding from the Syracuse University Office of Multicultural Affairs in the Division of Student Affairs for the multicultural wall. The wall installed in the outside play space of the Center was conceptualized by Hyewon Lee, a ceramic artist who worked with the preschool children to create the piece. This special space for individual and small groups of children to gather, is visually representative of the diverse community of children enrolled in the center program, and speaks to the richer possibilities for learning as a result.

Shaw, along with children from the Center, will present Christensen with a memento–a photograph of the two completed sections of the multicultural wall with ceramic symbols in the West African and Korean traditions, and of the children using the wall.

“Syracuse University is fortunate to have Joan Christensen’s support, not only for this important project but also for many other efforts on this campus,” said Shaw. “I know I am joined by many others at SU in my appreciation for her hard work.”