Children’s Learning Center celebrates Campus Children’s Centers Week

As part of a national initiative celebrating Campus Children’s Centers Week, Oct. 6-10, Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Dunham Children’s Learning Center had lots of fun activities in store for the youngsters, from dress-up days and outdoor adventures to guest readers, nutrition-based activities and special visits to share a bit of gratitude.

On Wednesday, 2-year-olds from the “Bees” classroom met with President Michael J. Reed and Hillary E. Hofstrom, vice president for People & Culture, to present them with cards of thanksgiving signed by each of the 82 children who attend the Children’s Learning Center. 

“This will be the highlight of my day,” Reed said. “You can’t help but to get energized looking at the next generation. I appreciate them taking the time and making the effort to stop by and say ‘hello.’” 

Hofstrom pointed to the outstanding leadership of the center as another aspect that makes Penn College so special. 

“They understand the magnitude of what they’re doing,” she said. “We have top-notch teachers in early childhood education here at the Children’s Learning Center; you can see it in the kindness and behaviors of the children. It is an honor that we can provide this truly exceptional child care program.” 

Later that morning, Brenda M. Kline, office assistant to counseling services, read a very special book to the little ones. “Rally Day” was written by her daughter, Kristina M. Heimbach, a 2013 early childhood education graduate from Penn College.

In the book, Stevo the rally race car gets stuck on a rock during a race, and Stella, a competitor, is faced with the decision to be nice and help Stevo or keep going and win the race. 

“Showing compassion and kindness is pretty much the idea, and I’m glad Krissy had a great way of putting that into play,” Kline said. 

Heimbach is working toward turning this first book into a “Stella the Subie” series that would cover topics like having friends with special needs, Christmas and preparing for school. 

She completed an internship at the Children’s Learning Center during her time at Penn College, finding the first-hand experience to be beneficial after graduating and working in the field.

“I loved having my internship at the CLC,” she said. “The staff, parents and children were all amazing to work with and learn alongside. The standard of care given to the children is beyond reproach. I was able to take that standard with me into the workforce, which benefited the parents and children I have worked with.”

Heimbach is now homeschooling her own children and teaching the preschool class at her local homeschool co-op at North Street Community Church in Canton. She is humbled that her book has been read at the Children’s Learning Center.

“I am grateful for the opportunity for my fun project to be shared where my story began,” she said.

Other guest readers this week include Nate Woods Jr., executive director for student well-being & inclusive excellence; Heather Brennan, registered dietitian; and Tom Speicher, writer/video producer and author of “Waffles Goes to the Beach,” the third installment in the Waffles series.

The CLC serves the children of Penn College students, faculty and staff while their parents work or attend classes. The center cares for children between the ages of 13 months and 5 years (or until the child is enrolled in kindergarten). Five classrooms for different age groups are part of the facility.