New Early Childhood Resource Center opens on Red Wing campus
Rachel Daley shows off the new large-format laminating machine.
An interview with instructor Rachel Daley
On February 7, Early Childhood instructor Rachel Daley cut the ribbon to open the new Early Childhood Resource Center. The facility is open Thursday evenings for the use of professionals caring for young children between birth and age eight. Supported through a Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation grant, the overarching goal is to impact the quality of care for young children in the Red Wing and surrounding communities. We caught up with Rachel in the Early Childhood Resource Center for this interview.
What gave you the idea of setting up an Early Childhood Resource Center?
From personal experience in my years of providing childcare, early childhood professionals have limited resources -- not only financially, but also access to equipment that could significantly impact the opportunities presented to support young children's development. The idea was inspired through observing the work happening at Winona's Early Childhood Professional Development Center & Curriculum Lab.
The die-cut machine uses blocks to cut out perfect letters for bulletin boards and other projects.
What kinds of projects can people do with the equipment you have there?
Early childhood professionals can use the PC, printer, die-cut, laminator, and comb-bind machine to make projects such as family newsletters, curriculum projects, and classroom books. We consider this a living "Pinterest-style" collaboration opportunity for early childhood professionals to share ideas and continually add to the repository of possible projects!
Besides equipment and tools, what other resources do you have?
We have hundreds of books on subjects from child development to challenging behaviors and special needs. The equipment, tools, and resource library are the foundation for the informal networking and formal training opportunities that this space will nurture.
Is this a place for us to bring our kids or drop them off to play?
No -- this space is designed for adults to use as their professional hub for development and access to materials. The equipment and tools within the room are not age appropriate for young children.
Colorful materials and hundreds of books are among the resources available to early childhood professionals.
Will you offer classes in the Resource Center, and if so, what kind and when?
Classes will be offered on the third Thursday of each month from 5:30-7:30 pm with informal topics suggested each Thursday evening. There will be additional training opportunities some Saturdays in the Early Childhood Resource Center to support Parent Aware training needs (see the training schedule at www.southeastmn.one/training).
When is it open? Do I need an appointment?
No appointment is required -- the room is open 5-8 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Like us on Facebook to keep up to date on any further openings (as well as closings).