Conclusion
As a title V program, and a state licensed entity, the Associated Students Child Development Lab at Chico State aims to offer early childhood care to students and the community in an effort to improve the lives of all involved. The service, however, is directly aimed at the quality of life for mothers and young children. As a Title V program, the ASCDL must apply for a grant in order to continue, and must meet certain criteria in order to receive the necessary grant to remain available. Chico State University and its students may find the service invaluable because it allows young parents the opportunity to fulfill parenting duties while still seeking an education and, in turn, bettering their future. The program is arguably a necessary feature for any modern campus.
The program on campus also helps create jobs, which are viable to the local community. Moreover, the daycare assesses children’s physical, emotional, and academic needs and development should they participate in the program. All activities are aimed at encouraging children to learn, grow, explore, and become more social. Children are accepted from infancy up to five-years of age. Conceivably, a student parent could finish a degree as their baby becomes a toddler at no cost to the individual. The program insures employees will guide the child behaviorally, emotionally, and socially while in attendance, showing it is not just a mere babysitting service, as well. Children who are a part of the program learn to work independently, take direction, socialize, moderate their emotions, and many other things they would learn at home with their parent. While the program also has weaknesses, as any childcare program does, it has allowed many student parents with low-income to pursue an education and better their family’s future, showing it is well-organized and worth the grant.
