One of the aspects that California State University, Stanislaus, (Stan State), has in its vicinity is the Child Development Center (CDC), which can help a college student become a better teacher and help newer generations become model citizens within society.

Amy Chi (Director, Child Development Center) directs the purpose of the center to the child development major students who will need it for experience.

“We have them come in and work with the children, to implement lesson plans, to implement theories, [and] that they are learning through the program,” Chi said.

Geography Professor Dr. Peggy Hauselt’s favorite feature is the involvement the students have with the children.

“We have future child providers that are excited to be interacting with the children,” Hauselt stated.

One of the main benefits that this center has over their competitors is the proximity of the CDC.

“We are located right here on the campus facility, so if you’re a faculty member, staff member or a student, it’s kind of on-site childcare which is nice that you can come in and see your child in the observation room,” Chi said.

A misconception of the CDC is that it is a daycare, which Chi strongly disagrees with.

“It is not a daycare it is a child development center where we implement a variety of learning materials for children to get them ready from infancy to preschool to kindergarten,” Chi stated. “Although we do childcare here, we are more of a learning facility.”

The main selling point for Communication Studies Professor Dr. Michael Tumolo is that the CDC is nonreligious.

“The selling point for me was that it is secular, and I want to support public secular schools,” Tumolo said on why he chose the CDC.

A criticism the CDC has had in the past is that there has been a price increase in the tuition for children to attend the facility.

According to Chi, the reason for the five dollar increase is because there has not been an increase in tuition for a few years, and the added minimum wage costs for the student interns.

She also clarified that the reason parents pay out of pocket is that the center is not funded by the university, and that the tuition pays for interns, snacks, materials and supplies.

“I think it is important to know that this facility is on campus, and that we do serve faculty, staff, and students,” Chi stated.

People who are interested in more information about what the CDC provides can visit their website or visit the facility Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.