Campus Child Center
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
To: Dr. Paula Knudson
Fr: Sue Wrobel, Program Manager
Campus Child Center
Re: Year End Report
Dt: May 19, 2014
The mission of Campus Child Center is to provide a high quality care and learning environment to the children of
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse students and employees. Over the course of the past year we worked diligently to
provide and maintain a safe and healthy environment for our children. We encouraged them to explore, manipulate
and use the tools and toys around them, think critically, solve problems, gain confidence, and build friendships. We
supported our children’s need for creative expression, increased independence, closeness, warmth and compassion and
extended their knowledge through the use of books, fieldtrips, classroom visitors, meaningful conversations and
discussions and a variety of activities and experiences. Into our curriculum we wove a sense of respect for others and
the world around us, opportunities to express kindness and cooperation, and an appreciation for nature and the arts.
We worked hard to establish partnerships with parents and links to community resources.
Much of the wording found in the paragraph above was “stolen” right from our mission statement. Yet it is so
appropriate to place it here, because this is exactly what the staff accomplished. Our five full-time teachers, two float
teachers, and 64 student staff members worked diligently this past year to make this a reality by supplying exactly this to
110 children from 83 different families.
Our families indicated strong support for our program and for the work we do in our setting. In our annual program
evaluation, 100% of those responding indicated agreement or strong agreement that our program promotes their child’s
physical well-being, that their child is engaged and involved in the learning environment, that policies are followed
consistently, that communication with the teaching staff is effective, and that they feel welcome in our setting. Further
comments indicated a pattern of satisfaction with our service and strong support for the work we do. Many report that
their child loves school and that they feel safe at school. This indicates that strong bonds of trust have been established
between children, parents, and our staff. (Please see Appendix A for the program evaluation results.)
Our annual parent meeting, during which we reflect upon the results of the annual survey, highlighted really only one
need: the need and desire for our parents to get together “formally” just one more time during a school year. That will
be an easy (and fun!) goal to accomplish. (Please see Appendix B for the Annual Meeting Minutes.)
Campus Child Center continues to build relationships with others on campus. Our children have learned much through
others in the fields of Exercise and Sports Science, Biology, Music Education, Art Education, English as a Second
Language, Recreational Sports, and Landscape Services (just to name a few) who share their expertise and talents with
them. And we share with others by serving as a field study site for students in a variety of programs, including
Occupational Therapy, Early Childhood Education, Exercise and Sport Science, Psychology, Art Education, and Nutrition.
Once again, we enjoyed some traditional highlights. Our annual Oktoberfest Parade, our annual Music and Art Show,
the Family Potluck Supper, and the Fancy Dance became good memories for our children this year. Our families
continue to show their interest in our school garden. Through their efforts and involvement, it continues to thrive and
to be a source of community for many.
Campus Child Center faces some unique challenges. As our society has an ever-increased need for assessment of
services (often in which your worth is tied to what you produce) and as we listen to those who speak of “racing to the
top,” we find our role as early childhood educators as that of being “guards” of childhood. We have a strong knowledgebase in early childhood education and a commitment to serving the needs of young children and in doing what is right
for them. Being strong advocates for appropriate learning environments for young children becomes one of our tasks
and challenges.
Campus Child Center continues to remain at capacity. We now provide more full-time care than in previous years, which
brings the challenge of staffing for an increased capacity throughout the day, including early morning and late afternoon
hours. Our center staff is committed to finding a staffing pattern that supports our needs throughout the day.
Appendix A
Initial Report
Last Modified: 04/17/2014
1. The center staff maintains a safe and healthy environment that promotes my
child's physical well-being.
#
1
2
3
4
5
Answer
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Response
46
5
%
90%
10%
0
0%
0
0
51
0%
0%
100%
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Value
1
2
1.10
0.09
0.30
51
2. Center policies are in place and followed consistently.
#
5
4
3
2
1
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Answer
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Response
39
11
%
76%
22%
0
0%
1
0
51
2%
0%
100%
Value
2
5
4.73
0.32
0.57
51
3. My child trusts his/her teacher.
#
5
4
3
2
1
Answer
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Response
47
4
%
92%
8%
0
0%
0
0
51
0%
0%
100%
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Value
4
5
4.92
0.07
0.27
51
4. Communication between the teachers and my family is effective.
#
5
4
3
2
1
Answer
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Response
38
13
%
75%
25%
0
0%
0
0
51
0%
0%
100%
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Value
4
5
4.75
0.19
0.44
51
5. Communication between the center director and my family is effective.
#
5
4
3
2
1
Answer
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Response
37
11
%
74%
22%
2
4%
0
0
50
0%
0%
100%
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Value
3
5
4.70
0.30
0.54
50
6. The staff informs me of my child's progress and accomplishments.
#
5
4
3
2
1
Answer
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Response
31
18
%
61%
35%
1
2%
1
0
51
2%
0%
100%
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Value
2
5
4.55
0.41
0.64
51
7. I feel welcome at the center at any time.
#
5
4
3
2
1
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Answer
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Response
40
11
%
78%
22%
0
0%
0
0
51
0%
0%
100%
Value
4
5
4.78
0.17
0.42
51
8. I feel comfortable sharing my ideas and/or concerns with center staff.
#
5
4
3
2
1
Answer
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Response
35
10
%
69%
20%
2
4%
4
0
51
8%
0%
100%
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Value
2
5
4.49
0.81
0.90
51
9. My child is interested in the activities and materials provided at the center.
#
5
4
3
2
1
Answer
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Response
42
8
%
84%
16%
0
0%
0
0
50
0%
0%
100%
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Value
4
5
4.84
0.14
0.37
50
10. Center staff members are strong advocates for children and families.
#
5
4
3
2
1
Answer
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Response
38
12
%
75%
24%
1
2%
0
0
51
0%
0%
100%
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Value
3
5
4.73
0.24
0.49
51
11. The program staff has built a sense of community at the center.
#
5
4
3
2
1
Answer
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Response
37
13
%
73%
25%
1
2%
0
0
51
0%
0%
100%
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Value
3
5
4.71
0.25
0.50
51
12. I found the newsletter series on the social growth and development of
young children to be useful in my role as a parent.
#
5
4
3
2
1
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Answer
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Response
20
16
%
39%
31%
13
25%
2
0
51
4%
0%
100%
Value
2
5
4.06
0.82
0.90
51
13. One of our goals for this school year was to rotate the meeting times of our
parent support group so that more parents had an opportunity for
participation. If the times had rotated, what would have been your chances of
attending?
#
1
2
3
4
Statistic
Min Value
Max Value
Mean
Variance
Standard Deviation
Total Responses
Answer
No Chance
Very Little Chance
Some Chance
Very Good
Chance
Total
Response
9
15
20
%
18%
30%
40%
6
12%
50
100%
Value
1
4
2.46
0.87
0.93
50
14. Please add comments you would like to share:
Text Response
We have loved our experience at the Center. The only true challenge we have encountered has been the
inconsistency in expectations between the professional teaching staff versus the student staff in the
afternoons. For our child consistency is key with relation to the rules/expectations. It seems that we ran
into hurdles at the end of the day when more things seemed to "slide" or the communication wasn't
there between the two entities.
Wondeful job! Our son loves coming to the school.
I think the Center and the staff do a great job. Our kids enjoy it there and the teachers and college staff
are great. Minor item: First, I sometime see kids w/ runny noses and think that the staff should do a
better job of giving kids tissues to blow their noses (and then wash hands). If I notice a kid w/ a runny
nose, it appears to me that the staff should have already noticed and taken care of it. Potentially
major item: Other childcare centers, and even ones on college campuses, have more advanced
measures set up for security issues (i.e., a "gunman" incident). Although the center on campus has taken
some measures w/ the sensor doors and has discussed the issue here and there, I'd like to see much
stricter security set up that includes someone at the front who verifies each entrant. Better safe than
sorry.
We are so thankful for campus child center and the relationships we have developed with staff!
We are very happy with the care; you have a great thing going here! But, sometimes, it seems the
Center is resistant to change. For instance, cloth diapers are accepted at many Centers now, but not
here. My understanding that cloth diapering is possible, but would require some rearrangement of
space. It also would be helpful to have some summer hours, but the survey for summer care isn't sent
out until mid-Spring when most folks have already had to make arrangements for the summer (if the
survey was sent out in the fall, I'm guessing you would get more interest).
Our child(ren) have had very positive experiences at CCC, and we have appreciated all of their teachers.
At times I have felt as though the director could be more receptive to feedback, but overall, we are very
satisfied and thankful to have our child(ren) at CCC!
My boys and I are so happy with the services. My son is VERY VERY sad that he won't be continuing with
the childcare in the Fall. You guys have always been there for us and we are so very blessed to have
been a part of this childcare. We love everyone who works there and volunteer their time there, too.
My children love it there and calls it home. This is the best gift a childcare place can ever give a child.
Thank you, Sue, for fighting for me when I first started bringing my kids there. You are one heck of a
woman. Please continue to give your love and warmth to all of our children who attend the childcare.
Also, continue to teach us, the parents, about learning to be a better parent. I have learned so much
from your newsletter about growth and development than I would have gotten anywhere else. So,
thank you for your loving support and wisdom. Sammy
I couldn't be happier with our experience of the child care center. Claire clearly enjoys her teacher,
peers and environment. It is clear that a lot of thought goes into the design of the environment and the
experiences that she is immersed in. We are happy that the snacks are always healthy and reflect our
values about food and nutrition. We hope to be more involved in gardening this summer.
I'm a little unclear about the wording of question 13 - I did not find the meeting times a problem, I just
wasn't interested in participating.
We absolutely adore UWL Childcare staff and are so happy with our son's development at the center!
Thank you Sue and all the caring folks who make this happen! I appreciate the sense of community and
loving attention everytime I walk through the door.
Thank you for providing a safe and fun place for our daughter to spend her days and grow. Keep up the
good work!
We've been very happy with our daughter's care and education at CCCC. Our only complaint is that
cookies and cupcakes seem to be a regular offering--seemingly weekly. We understand that this is the
culture we live in, but we hope this will change as people realize how unnatural and unhealthy these
"treats" really are.
My son absolutely loves coming to the daycare center. He feels at home. He trusts and adores Kate and
his other teachers. I honestly couldn't be happier with the center and everything it provides. I wish that
everyone could experience a daycare of this caliber.
Thanks for all of the great work!
Best childcare in town!
Thanks for all that you do. We love that such a strong center exists at UW-L.
Everyone at the center does an awesome job with the children and communicating with families. I love
sending my child to Campus Child Center, and she loves attending! I feel very grateful that we get to be
a part of something so wonderful. If I have to work and put my child in daycare, this is where I want
them to be! I appreciate the built in preschool aspect of the daycare as well so I know that my child is
not only getting cared for in a safe and loving environment, but is also being stimulated and growing in
all areas of development. Thank you!
You do a fabulous job. I know my daughter is in good hands, and she loves going to school.
We love Campus Child Center. We feel so lucky that our little wonderfuls have had the incredible
opportunities and love that you provide for them. If we had to choose between sending them to college
and sending them to Campus Child Center we would send them to Campus Child Center. We think it is
so important for their development, and it is the best place to be loved and feel like part of something
very important. They are all going to do and be great things because of you! We appreciate the amazing
performances of all of the teachers, the high level of professionalism, and the love and amazing
patience you have for the kids and the parents! How do you all do it so well? There is no place like
Campus Child Center!
We are beyond blessed to be a part of this program and thank God for the outstanding care that our
children receive when we cannot be there. The values that are instilled in our children starts at home,
but the program at UW-L reinforces them to help our children grow into well-respected, mature adults.
Thank you for all that you do for our family!!!
I often teach during the times that the Parent Group had set up for their meetings. Thanks so much for
putting together the Parents' Group, but I just found it impossible to fit into my teaching schedule.
Cindy and Kate have worked with us very closely to help our son work through some rough-and-tumble
play issues. Thanks so much for all of your hard work with that!
If the parent meetings had included a late afternoon time, either my husband or I would have been able
to attend. Meetings prior to 4:00 pm or in the evening, unfortunately, would not have worked for us.
However, we are on a non-traditional "student"/teacher schedule. We very much appreciate the
wonderful care that our son receives at the Child Center. We truly feel blessed that he has been able to
learn and grow within your program. Thank you for all you do!
Great job everyone! CCC is the crown jewel of campus.
The Campus Child Center is WONDERFUL!!!
The childcare center has been a great place for my children to learn, grow, and develop relationships
with all ages. They have learned and experienced so many neat things that I would never of thought
exposing them to. I have been so impressed with the staff and student staff over the years. Being with
the staff is a major perk of the experience for the children at the childcare center. Thank you for all you
have done for my family. It will always be appreciated.
I am only sad that this is my son's last couple of months at the Campus Child Care Center before he
"graduates" to Emerson next year. The Center has without a doubt been the absolutely best feature of
moving to La Crosse. Cannot believe what a good job they do there.
Add-on to question 13: We would have loved to be part of the parent group but the meeting times
were very difficult in the middle of the day with work schedules. We would welcome a mid/late
afternoon meeting rotation.
I was never able to make it to the Parent meetings but I recently found the facebook page for the
Campus Child Center!
Rule of fever / sick kids should be enforced for the health of all kids at the center. Frustrating when sick
kids come to ccc and parents tell teacher they are sick w fever. We keep our kids home when they are
sick w fever. Others should follow that rule too. We would appreciate a more detailed bill for each
month - # days/kid@rate. It would help for reimbursement, budget tracking, hold day tracking, etc.
Statistic
Total Responses
Value
29
Appendix B
Annual Meeting Minutes
May 8, 2014
Attending: Kim Amundson, Dawn Hays, Amy Wrobel, Bill Schwan, Sue Wrobel
The meeting began with introductions and a review of the goals established last year:
•
•
Rotate meeting times for the parent group so that more parents have an opportunity for participation. This goal was not
met as we did not rotate the meeting times for the parent group. One of the questions in our annual program evaluation
addressed this by asking parents if they would have attended the parent group meetings had meeting times been rotated.
The responses were as follows: 48% percent of those responding indicated that they still would have had little or no chance
of attending the meetings; 40% responding indicated that they would have had some chance; and 12% indicated a very
good chance. The attendance at this year’s meetings was very low and early in the spring semester we decided to
discontinue to meet. The Facebook page still offers parents a method in which to stay “in-touch” and “in-tune” and is used
and appreciated.
Write and distribute a series of articles for parents on the social growth and development of young children. This goal was
met. The series was spread throughout the year with approximately one “article” per month posted and archived on our
online newsletter. One of our program evaluation questions addressed this series and the responses were as follows: 70%
responding indicated (by strongly agreeing or agreeing) that the series was useful in their role as a parent; 25% neither
agreed nor disagreed; and 4% disagreed. It is hard to judge whether those in the bottom 29% are indicating they did not
have the time or interest in reading the series or found the content of the series to be inadequate. We questioned whether
the time spent researching and writing an informative series is time well-spent and concluded that if the parenting
questions that arise from our families indicate a pattern, a future series could be beneficial.
Additional Topics Discussed:
•
•
•
We discussed the comments portion of the annual evaluation. The strong majority of comments refer to satisfaction in the
program. The “wants and needs” comments – ideas for improvements or change – don’t fall into a general pattern.
However, these ideas can and should be addressed in the future by Sue inviting more dialogue with those wanting to
provide additional ideas/concerns.
We discussed particular program elements that are appreciated by our families and found that the structure provided to
our children, the varied activities for exploration and discovery, and the open streams of communication between parents
and teachers are highly valued.
On the topic of what could improve or change we discussed the relationships that our families have made with each other
and the opportunities to get together here at the center. We acknowledged that we have only one opportunity in the fall
to get together and that one more time would be appreciated. We also discussed the magnetic entry system and the
method of entry for those who do not know the system.
Goals for Next Year:
•
•
Add one additional family event to the fall semester schedule.
Check into placing a door bell with signage in the front entry for those seeking access into the center.
Submitted by,
Kim Amundson