16 Apr Children’s Center “Week of the Child”: Where the Little Ones Grow!
- The Children’s Center collaborated with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) to celebrate the “Week of the Young Child.”
- Three main events included: “Masterpiece Monday,” a family breakfast cereal bar and “Sing and Play Thursday.”
- The Children’s Center was established to support students with young children to make higher education more accessible while fostering healthy development for young children.
The Associated Students Inc.’s Children’s Center celebrated the national annual “Week of the Young Child” from April 7-11 in their own way. A fun-filled week with art and music activities was cultivated by the staff at the Children’s Center in collaboration with Cal State Fullerton’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).
“Week of the Young Child gives us a chance to celebrate young children and the importance of early education and facilities such as the Children’s Center and programs that provide quality-education and care for young children,” said Lydia Palacios, Cal State Fullerton’s Children’s Center Director.
Serving the Fullerton community and CSUF students with quality childcare, the Week of the Child provides a cross collaboration between parents, students, staff and on campus resources.
Masterpiece Monday: The Art of Giving Back
The children created their DIY musical instruments like shakers with paper-plates, stickers, pebbles and beads before attending their own “Spring Concert.” / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
The week began with “Masterpiece Monday” featuring arts and crafts stations led by OLLI volunteers. The children were encouraged to rotate to different stations which included a sticker, painting, playdough table and more.
OLLI is a nationwide organization made for adults 50+looking to learn in a university setting and contribute to the community. Collaborating with the Children’s center for the
week not only brought joy to the kids, but also for the adults involved.
“The members [of OLLI] are also former educators, they’ve had great careers,” said Sue Mullaly, Collaborations Coordinator Chair for OLLI. “They really enjoy giving back, and in giving back we always get back.”
Mullaly also expresses that the members are retirees who enjoy partnering with different organizations on campus to contribute to the experience of other students.
“In regards to our community, being able to provide services and connect with our communities such as OLLI, and having intergenerational experiences is often beneficial for not only our program, but also for the participants involved,” Sonia Nunez, Children’s Center Assistant Director.
With paint still drying from Masterful Monday, the next two days turned toward fostering connection among the children and their parents.
Cereal, Community and Connection
Collaborating with the Children’s center for the week not only brought joy to the kids, but also for the adults involved. / Credit: Sonia Nunez.
Tuesday and Wednesday morning kicked off with a casual “Cereal Bar Breakfast,” where families were invited to enjoy cereal, pastries, fruit and coffee with their children before starting the day.
“A lot of our parents are very busy, so having that little moment with their child and getting to meet other parents really builds a sense of community,” said Nunez. “It’s a chance to pause, connect and acknowledge the role the center plays in bringing us together.”
Breakfast served as more than just a morning meal, it was an opportunity for families to engage with one another, strengthening the sense of belonging within the Children’s Center community.
“Pulling in the families for Week of the Child and supporting them as much as we can because being a parent is the hardest job in the world, speaking from experience,” said OLLI members, Debbie Williamson and Jill Patterson in a joint statement.
After two mornings of family bonding, the week wrapped up on a high note, with music and movement taking center stage.
Tiny Instruments, Mighty Benefits
Two OLLI members host a read and sing-along for “Sing and Play Thursday.” / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design.
“Sing and Play Thursday” began with the children creating their own DIY musical instruments like shakers with paper-plates, stickers, pebbles and beads. Then they were escorted to their very own “Spring Concert” facilitated by Williamson and Patterson who played classic nursery rhymes.
“Music especially helps them develop the parts of the brain that are used in learning math,” said Patterson. “If they have a musical background like this, or even if they draw, they’re using different parts of their brain, so the brain develops fully and not just one part.”
The Children were encouraged to sing and dance along, creating an energetic and engaging atmosphere for everyone involved.
“[Music and art-based activities] helps with their emotional and cognitive skills. It helps them to use their imagination and there’s a lot of movement involved,” said Jessica Furumasu, third-year Child and Adolescent studies major and Children’s Center intern.
While the week’s events highlighted play and creativity, they also reflected the deeper mission of the Children’s Center.
A Campus Home for Big and Little Titans
Students hand in their “Spring Concert” tickets to Sonia Nunez, Assistant Director of the Children’s Center. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design.
The Children’s Center was established to support students and CSUF staff with young children, making higher education more accessible for them.
“I wish more students were aware that the Children’s Center does exist,” said Palacios. “I believe that one of the important [aspects] that we should have students on the campus understand is the support, not only for the student parents, but the support and education that comes to the young children that are part of the facility.”
The Children’s Center is not just about watching the children while their parents go to school. Palacios emphasized their mission is to foster and enrich the development of young children through providing art, music and more programs.
As the “Week of the Young Child” came to an end, the Children’s Center continues to celebrate early education, supporting both big and little Titans.