When it comes to investing in children, laying a solid foundation is paramount. Part of this foundation should be teaching good behavior, sound judgment and a thirst for knowledge.
Eric Mayes, associate director of the Merrill-Palmer Skillman Institute and executive director of the institute's Child Development Laboratory (CDL), hopes to ensure that children are equipped with these qualities daily.
"Malcolm X said that 'education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it,'" said Mayes, an adjunct professor at WSU. "Education is my passion. Education, exposure, cultivation, and access gives children an opportunity."
Even though Mayes has only been part of the team for a few months, he notes that enhancing and improving the quality of services and programs are at the forefront of his agenda.
The Child Development Laboratory, located at 71 E. Ferry St., serves children from metro Detroit and children of WSU students, faculty and staff.
Since its founding in 1920, Merrill-Palmer has been dedicated to the improvement of family life and human development, Mayes said.
"We have an exploratory philosophy that allows students to engage and build their learning experiences," he said. "The goal of CDL is to help students reach their potential, explore and make sense of the world.
"In addition to helping the student, it is to make sure the whole child is developed. The CDL helps student parents by offering stability for their children. Stability is critical for children so we must provide a good foundation."
As a professor, Mayes has taught human development classes.
"Ultimately it's about human growth," he said. "It's about helping children grow and develop into an optimal, functioning human being. It means assisting them in reaching their potential. These are the formidable years and we have an opportunity to be involved and a part of how these children turn out."
One of the best things the development lab offers children and their parents is diversity.
"We have a diverse student population ethnically, racially and by socioeconomic class," Mayes said. "We have the diversity the students bring with them and the diversity to which they are exposed.
"Students are very receptive and are intrinsically motivated to learn. They come to CDL open, ready to gain knowledge and grow. The students are often ready and eager to be engaged in the process of learning."
The development lab also offers qualified teachers with expertise in early childhood education, psychology and child development. Mayes said the development lab offers optimal adult to child ratios in each classroom.
The CDL offers resources for students with children that include Campus Childcare Access Means Parent and School (CCAMPUS), Michigan School Readiness Program and Reading First program. The U.S. Department of Education funds these programs.
CCAMPUS is a grant program that offers affordable childcare to WSU undergraduates.
The school readiness grant provides free half-day child care for children ages 4 and older who are at risk for education challenges.
Mayes said the Reading First program is designed to help preschoolers become literate.
"Studies have shown there is a tie between vocabulary and language of students and their ability to acquire literacy," Mayes said. "So planned research is to make certain we develop the whole child to meet emotional, physical, psycho social and cultural needs of children. CDL also provides nutritional lunches and breakfasts for children. We are working to become the best child development center in America."
