Meridian Community College held a grand opening for its new location for its Early Childhood Academy on Friday. The new, larger academy is located at the College Park Shopping Center after previously being located in Reed Hall. 

Win Maxey-Shumate, program coordinator and instructor of the school’s Early Childhood Education Technology program, said the new space will provide more resources for parents and educators in the community. Some of the services include professional development and resources for parents and educators like books, toys and games. The materials are free and items can be checked out for up to two weeks.

Maxey-Shumate said the program, in its seventh year, also gives children who might not be able to go to daycare a place to go. The new space will help them to expand those opportunities, she said. 

“We are trying to reach out to the community,” she said.  

Thomas Huebner, president of MCC, said the academy will also provide resources for students studying to be early childhood education teachers, helping them as they are learning.

 

Kamilah Dunn, coach and professional development specialist at the college, said the program’s staff have been waiting for the larger space to open. She hopes the community will use the resources available at the academy.

The Early Childhood Academy is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and by appointment by calling 601-553-3413.