Campus Child Care Center Celebrates 40th Anniversary Saturday
When the Buffalo State’s Child Care Center opened in 1975, it started with just 10 children in the basement of Bishop Hall. It opened as a response to a growing number of students who also were parents, some of whom had no choice but to bring their young children to class with them.
The center’s current location, nestled on the west side of campus, opened in 1996 and soon reached its capacity of 82 children. Forty years later, a mix of students, faculty, and staff rely on the nationally accredited center to provide developmentally appropriate and compassionate care for infants through 4-year-olds.
On November 7, the college will recognize the center’s 40th anniversary with a celebratory brunch at 10:00 a.m. in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall open to center families, staff, and members of the center’s board of directors. During the celebration, Jennifer Minet, the center’s executive director, will deliver the keynote address. Other speakers include Daniel Velez, chair of the center’s board, and Derek Jordan, president of United Students Government.
Child care center teachers will be recognized, and activities will be available for young children in attendance. “We are proud of the atmosphere the center has developed through the years to serve our campus,” Minet said. “It isn’t just a safe place, but also a fun and educational place where we encourage a love of learning. We wanted to use this milestone to recognize our teachers, our committed board members, and the parents who entrust their children to us every day.”
About the center: Licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the Buffalo State Child Care Center is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, which is a division of the National Association for Education of Young Children. It is funded through parent fees, scholarships and grants from Buffalo State, the State University of New York, USG, and the Family Benefits Committee. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuition is offered on a sliding scale. A free universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) program is available for 4-year-olds who live within the Buffalo city limits.