8/19/03

WMU and Kidzone Bring Added Dimension to Lake Michigan College at South Haven

BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - Just last fall, Western Michigan University Southwest opened its doors on the Lake Michigan College Napier Avenue campus in Benton Township. This first-of-its-kind partnership in Michigan between a community college and a four-year university has become a national model for other institutions of higher learning.

Now, the partnership takes another historic step as WMU prepares to occupy three of its own classrooms at LMC's South Haven campus. Planned for fall are five bachelor-, master-, and doctoral-level classes.

"We conducted a feasibility study to determine if there is a need for advanced degree offerings in the South Haven area," states Leonard Seawood, director of WMU's Southwest campus. "We found that there is, especially in the area of elementary and secondary education."

To address this, WMU is offering courses that lead to their Masters in Educational Leadership degree, a program designed for K-12 teachers seeking their master's degree for promotion or state certification requirements. In the future, WMU can offer any courses at the South Haven campus that are offered at the Southwest campus in Benton Harbor, given enough demand.

"We continually do feasibility studies to identify new opportunities and we can be very creative in bringing classes to South Haven," adds Seawood.

WMU offers five undergraduate and eight masters and doctoral programs at its Southwest campus. Students can finish these degrees with classes offered at the South Haven campus or with a quick 30-minute drive to Benton Harbor.

Another partnership that originated at LMC's Napier Avenue campus is being brought to South Haven. Kidzone Preschool and Childcare will provide flexible, affordable care on campus for children aged 2 weeks to 12 years old.

"We pride ourselves on providing high quality childcare," states Karla Pepple, director of Kidzone. "But, it is really more than just childcare. We offer a true learning environment for all the children in our care, from infants on up."

Services will be provided for up to 30 children. Separate areas for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers allow for activities suitable for each age group. Parent/teacher meetings are held throughout the year to keep parents current on the progress of their children. Preschoolers complete portfolios that are given to the parents at the end of the year.

"The portfolios are an important part of our service," comments Pepple. "It is a collection of the work each child has done. It shows their progress and can be used when the child enters kindergarten to familiarize the teacher with their skill level."

Parents can enroll their children on a regular basis or utilize the drop in service for just a few hours at a time. Center hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Evening hours are available upon request.

Kidzone will be hosting an open house for interested parents on Wednesday, August 20, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and on Thursday, August 21, from 3 - 7 p.m. For more information about Kidzone's services visit www.kidzoneonline.com.

For more information about programs offered at WMU's Southwest campus, visit www.wmich.edu/eup/sw or call (269) 934-1500.