By Libby Castillo
After closing its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the halls of the UTSA Child Development Center (UTSA CDC) were filled with silence, that was until Monday, August 17, when and staff returned to the center for a social distancing “luau” to help prepare them for the new semester.
“After being apart for so long, I wanted to bring the faculty and staff back together in a fun way to get them energized for the new year,” Dr. Pamela Ray, the newly appointed UTSA CDC director. “I am so proud of the fun and safe event that was put together by the staff that serves on the center’s hospitality and special events committee,” she said.
Set to open to children in September, the center’s staff and faculty have been busily readying the center in accordance to the rules and regulations set forth by the UTSA’s Public Health Task Force and local authorities and health officials and ensuring the center is in compliance with new Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Rules and Governor’s Task Force Health Protocols.
“COVID-19 is changing the way we operate, but ensuring a safe environment for the children, the staff at the center, university personnel, and the facility remains at the forefront,” Dr. Ray said. “With a committed and dedicated staff, support from the College of Education and Human Development and university, I am confident we will continue providing quality early care and education services for all children and families.”
Along with a virtual greeting from the College of Education and Human Development dean Dr. Margo DelliCarpini, the group was able to play interactive social distancing games like “Get to know you” beach ball, teacher Scattergories, and a paper plane contest. Dr. Ray presented her strategic priorities to the team under the theme of “Destination G2G – Good to Great.” This year, the center staff will participate in a book study, “Good Great” by Jim Collins with a goal to plan and execute the mission going forward for continued quality services for all children and families.
“The team agreed that while COVID-19 brings challenges, it is not a roadblock to providing continued quality student support services to all children and families,” Dr. Ray said.
The University of Texas at San Antonio Child Development Center (UTSA) Child Development Center (CDC) provides early care and education for children six weeks to five years of age through a developmentally appropriate program designated with national and state quality rankings:
- National Association for the education of Young Children (NAEYC), Early Learning Program Accreditation
- Texas Health and Human Services (THHS), Child Care Licensing (CCL)
- Texas Rising Star, 4- Star Program
UTSA is the only 4 year research-based institution that has a quality Child Development Center on campus in the 7th largest US city, San Antonio, Texas.
For more information about the UTSA Child Development Center, please visit: https://www.utsa.edu/cdc/