DOINews: Secretary Jewell Visits Interior's Child Care Center as Part of 'The Week of the Young Child' Celebrations at the Main Interior Building

		Secretary Sally Jewell on April 10 reads to children gathered in the multi-age classroom at the childcare center in the Main Interior Building. Photo by Tami Heilemann, DOI Office of Communications.
		Secretary Sally Jewell begins her tour of the childcare center. [From left, Acting Director Angele Wilmore (at left in black and white); Mary Pletcher (parent) partially blocked by Wilmore; and Bill Brannon (program manager).] Photo by Tami Heilemann, DOI Office of Communications.
		Secretary Sally Jewell meets with parents, board members, the director and staff at the childcare center. [From left, Jeanine Porter - Bright Horizons (provider) regional manager; Sue Dixon, board president; Mary Pletcher (parent); Bill Brannon (program manager), Jewell and Angela Wilmore, acting center director.] Photo by Tami Heilemann, DOI Office of Communications.

"The Week of the Young Child" is an event sponsored by The National Association for the Education of Young Children, which focuses on the needs of young children, their families and early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Centers across the country participate with activities that include guest readers, sharing of family traditions, and parent time with their children in the classrooms.

On April 10, 2014, Secretary Sally Jewell toured the center at the Department of the Interior and visited with parents, board members, the director and staff. While exploring several of the classrooms, Jewell was greeted with many cheerful and curious faces.

After a brief, informal introduction in the multi-age classroom, Jewell sat on the floor, alongside the children to read them one of their favorite books. "Reading to children is a major focus of the weeklong event because it promotes literacy and is a key foundation for children's development" said Angela Wilmore, acting director of the center, "having the secretary participate is a great treat"

Additional events for the week included open houses, a costume parade and Trike-A-Thon to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Also the board provided donuts and drinks to department employees in appreciation for their ongoing support.

The child care center was opened in the Stewart Lee Udall Main Interior Building in November 2013. A total of 76 children, from infant to pre-K are cared for in a colorful environment that features Native American themes and classrooms, such as eagles, bears, ravens and frogs.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the center can contact the department's child care center program manager, Bill Brannon at (202) 208-1716 or at: william_brannon@ios.doi.gov

By: Bill Brannon, building management specialist, DOI
April 14, 2014

Related Link:

Childcare Center at MIB