The Employee Recognition Committee of Staff Senate would like to congratulate the Child Development Center for the June 2003 Department of the Month award.
The Child Development Center at the University of Nebraska has been in operation since August of 2001. In just two short years the Center has reached capacity enrollment, progressed towards being financially self-sufficient, and is on track to pursue accreditation during the next year. The Child Development Center has filled a need for affordable, quality childcare especially in the area of infants and toddlers. Due to the efforts of the staff, 62 children have a place to go while their parents attend classes or work on the campus.
Recently, a situation occurred at the Center that could have ended tragically, but due to dedication and quick thinking of the Child Development staff the outcome was joyous. One of the 3 year old children at the Center had laughed while eating and chocked on a piece of food. JoAnna Cordova, the Director of the Center and Chris Madsen, the infant room teacher performed the Heimlich. When they were unsuccessful, Public Safety was called, and then the ambulance. The caring actions and quick thinking saved the child's life.
The parent of the child wrote, "Truly magnificent people work at this University ? and they do wonderful things. The people at the Center really care about the children. The UNK Child Development Center is a fantastic place, and UNK has really wonderful, caring people. It's truly a blessing."
The Child Development Center also provides a welcoming atmosphere and many exciting activities, such as the Halloween costume party and the holiday caroling. This summer the "Little Lopers" school age program will be taking field trips, swimming, biking, learning about the library and participating in many other activities. The Center also offers hands on child development experience for our students. So, for the dedication and commitment that is shown each day for the children placed in their care the University of Nebraska at Kearney is pleased to announce the Child Development Center as the Department of the Month for June 2003.