Child Development Center Open House

ATHENS, Ohio (April 11, 2001) -- A ribbon-cutting and open house for the new Ohio University Child Development Center will be held from 10 a.m. until noon, Friday, April 20, in the center's location at The Ridges. The center, which was previously housed in Putnam Hall, has occupied its current location in the renovated horse barns since Jan. 2.

Children enrolled at the center will cut a ribbon at the facility's entrance, and Child Development Center Administrator Cathy Waller, Dean of the College of Health and Human Services Gary Neiman and Ohio University President Robert Glidden will offer remarks.

The functional, attractive facility offers quality daycare for children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years, and valuable hands-on experience for Ohio University education students. It is part of the Ohio University School of Human and Consumer Sciences.

Stables have given way to classrooms, an art studio and a multi-purpose room. The building has been expanded to the north, offering additional space for a reception desk, meeting room, staff offices, library and lockers, among other features.

"The Ridges offers a very natural setting, with limited traffic, so the children can go on hikes and go sledding," Waller said. "It also has a very appealing look with lots of natural light. Parents are very impressed when they walk in the door."

"Everything was constructed with children in mind, and the facility is very kid-friendly, including bathroom facilities and sinks built to their size," Waller said.

About 60 children are currently enrolled at the center, with plans for enrollment to increase to between 110 and 120 by fall. This year, about 800 Ohio University students in fields such as early childhood education, physical therapy, music therapy, music education and others are receiving field experience at the facility.

There are nine classrooms on the two levels, with three rooms apiece for infants, toddlers and preschool children, and separate playgrounds for each age group.

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