Megan Swan

Guest Reporter

On the corner of North Avenue west of Tomlinson Library you might notice an older building that looks like an old church. There are dozens of children playing in sand boxes, on slides, and playing games outside. The facility is not only a daycare; but home of the Little Mavericks Learning Center.

“We have grown a lot in recent years which is great. But one thing I’d like to see change is how people perceive us,” said Little Mavs faculty member Allison Smith. “Most people think we are just a daycare, but we aren’t. We are a learning center and actually teach. A professional educator is working daily with the children to make sure they are getting academic progress.”

There are 13 full time staff members working at the Little Mavs center, two of whom are directors and 11 are classified as teachers. There also are a number of work study student assistants. “We offer a lot of great learning tools here, but there are a lot of kids. If a child needs one on one attention with something they most likely won’t get it,” stated work study assistant Tiffany Green. The Little Mavs program is separated into three different age groups with unique curriculums for each age.

Groups range from babies/toddlers to preschool and pre-kindergarten. The preschool and prekindergarten classifications are the two age ranges that receive learning classroom benefits. However, the rate that these preschool/pre-k children are coming in could have an effect on the learning center. It is open to Mesa State students and faculty during the school year but has an open enrollment for all children during the summer months.

They accept all applicants as long as space is available.

“Parents need to understand that we can’t be alone with just their child. We have had some students been asked to leave and find other schools because they are not a good fit for the great group environment that we have here,” stated Green.

“This place is affordable for sure and is really flexible. If a parent needs to meet with a professor or has a big test to study for, the kids can stay even if it’s not in their schedule,” said Smith. Programs, scheduling, as well as tuition and fees for the Little Mavs center, can be found on the Mesa State College website under the current students tab/ child care. It is open only to Mesa State students and faculty during the school year but has an open enrollment for all children during the summer months.