From Diapers to Diplomas.
Although the Washington State University Vancouver Kindergarten Program started September 1, 2010, they celebrated their opening today, September 30, complete with ribbon cutting ceremony. The private, full-day kindergarten is an expansion of the Washington State University’s successful Child Development Program. The new facility offers children’s learning areas, a library and playground.The kindergarten also provides a learning laboratory for WSU Vancouver students. Those pursuing a degree in human development sometimes observe the kindergarten classroom as part of their studies. WSU Vancouver nursing students provide hearing screenings to the children as part of their coursework.
Funding for the Child Development Program Kindergarten was made possible by a gift from the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Foundation in 2008. “The department of human development is indebted to the McClaskey’s for making the kindergarten a possibility for us. Their foundation has been involved since the early planning stages and is committed to the long-term success of this project,” said Suzanne Smith, associate professor and director of human develpoment.
“The goal of the CDP kindergarten is to prepare children from varying backgrounds for the formal structure of classroom-based learning. The private kindergarten provides students with academic skills in literacy, math, science and social studies while offering them social opportunities for managing themselves in a group setting.
“The CDP Kindergarten gives the WSU Vancouver campus and Southwest Washington a cutting-edge option for early childhood education. We have a small student-to-teacher ratio that provides for flexibility and a more personalized learning environment,” said Smith.
The CDP Kindergarten is open to the children of WSU Vancouver students, staff, faculty members and community members. Tuition is $715 per month. Class size is limited to 18 and space is still available. For more information about the program, call Kathy Austin, early childhood specialist for the Child Development Program at 360-546-9722.”
This post: “Kindergarteners Attending WSUV” was originally featured at Salmon Creek Live!
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