The National Accreditation Commission has recognized the workdone at The University of Memphis Child Development Center byaccrediting the day care facility.
The parents and community are to thank for making the centergreat, said Margaret Scott, manager of the center.
"There are two different systems that survey us," she said. "TheState of Tennessee is one of them, and for three years in a row, wehave received three stars, which is the highest rating we canget.
"As part of a grant program we went through at the NationalAccreditation Commission, child care professionals evaluate (our)records and teacher to child ratio, how the day was spent, andthings like that."
The U of M Child Development Center managed to earnaccreditation in much less time.
"It's a great honor since not many centers are accredited," saidDana Copes, assistant director of residence life and diningservices. "The process normally takes two years, and they managedto accomplish it in only one."
The U of M Child Development Center was established in 1993 witha grant from the U.S. Department of Education to establish acreative arts/after-school program. Through it, children have achance to learn violin, art, drama, dance, cooking and sewing.
"The grant also gives assistance to students on Pell Grants,"Copes said. "It drops the enrollment fee, which is normally $2.50an hour."
"The center is set up to meet the needs of U of M students whoseprimary concern is small children," said Daniel Armitage, associatedean of students. "It is a place where they can be comfortableplacing their children when they are taking classes here at TheUniversity."
Armitage said the center has a capacity of 30 children .
"They have a great curriculum set up for pre-school learningthat includes work in basic letters, numbers and symbol shapes,"Armitage said. "They work with children to get them prepared forthe school system."
Copes and Armitage said Scott has done a splendid job with The Uof M Child Development Center. Scott was recently appointed toserve on the Tennessee Department of Human Services' Child CareCenter Standards Committee, which provides DHS with advice on childcare licensing regulations and child care in general.
"We have a lot of non-traditional students on campus and a lotof commuter students," said Scott. "This center offers a place forparents to enroll their children so they can finish theireducation."
