Co-Lin Simpson Center Vice President Dr. Anika Floyd has announced a new program that kicks off with an open house Tuesday, June 27, at 11 a.m. on the local campus.
The Mississippi Child Care Resource & Referral at the MSU – Extension (MSCCR&R) is a joint effort with Mississippi State University.
The R&R program is currently housed in a classroom of the main building at Co-Lin Simpson Center. Families, caregivers, daycares, churches, schools, home school groups – anyone —can visit and check out learning resources to use with children from birth to school age. A few of the offerings include games, books, occupational themed costumes and accessories, hands on materials for school readiness, and other resources.
Lisa McNair, R&R program associate, said, “Parents can check out items age appropriate for infants and toddlers for learning and fun too.” She added that they are continuing to order suitable products to fill the shelves.
A Simpson County native, McNair is very familiar with educating children as she comes to the R&R after spending 22 years at the Magee Head Start program. “I’m most excited about getting to meet different families. I love meeting and getting to know people in my community and I’m still providing something for education in the county!”
Shaunda Lee is R&R office associate. She joins the program after having spent several years at Region 8 Mental Health in Mendenhall. Like McNair, Lee also loves children. She is responsible for the check out of materials from the R&R, which is set up similarly to a public library. “I’m excited to finally get open, see all the children come in and the parents come in.” Lee is also from Simpson County.
According to project director Dr. Tara Dickerson, the unit was created intentionally to provide resources and support to residents of Mississippi including children, families, teachers and the like. Besides materials check-out, the program offers a “maker space” that affords the opportunity to create materials and activities. Items may be checked out for two weeks at a time.
“I could not be any happier to see this dream coming into reality! The MSCCR&R at MSU-Extension, Co-Lin Simpson County Center will be a great asset to Magee, Mendenhall, and surrounding areas!” Dr. Dickerson added.
Dr. Floyd’s goal for the resource and referral program overall is growth. “It is a partnership in what is being offered to the community and I want it to be a mutually beneficial partnership in terms of education. As the children come, their parents come – their family members who may need educational services. It is my hope that they may be linked back to us and we can provide those services. At whatever level, we want to connect with them, to provide the educational services they need.” Those services include college coursework, workforce education, and adult education classes.
She continued, “It’s an excellent opportunity. I want them here. The resources will benefit children, families as a whole and the community. The best and biggest part of it is it’s free!”
The MSCCR&R may be reached at 601-849-0118 and will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours Tuesday till 7 p.m. It will also be open from 9 a.m. to12 noon the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
