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UIS Cox House to open infant center

May 23, 2005

SPRINGFIELD – Cox Children’s Center at the University of Illinois at Springfield, in conjunction with UIS’ Division of Student Affairs, will add infant care to its available services. The campus’ new infant center, which will provide care to infants beginning at 6 weeks of age, is expected to be fully operational by August 22, in time for the start of the fall semester. 

Cox Center Director Stacey Hembrough explained, “We felt that it was important in keeping with our mission to provide a model of high quality early education and care that we consider the possibility of expanding our services to allow us to provide care to infants.

“Finding high quality infant care can be extremely difficult,” Hembrough continued.  “Our program is nationally accredited and respected in the community, and we feel that it is vital to be able to provide services to the entire family.  Currently we begin enrolling children at 15 months, which precludes us from being involved in the critical early stages of development.  We feel that the expansion will support recruitment and retention for both the center and the University as a whole.”

Considered one of the best pre-schools and childcare facilities in the Springfield area, the center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. In addition to toddler care for children 15 months to 2 years of age, staff offer pre-K classes with extended care for ages 3 to 5, and provide after-school care for ages 5 to 12. A summer camp is also offered for school-age children from 5 to 14. Applications and current fee schedules are available at the center. Space is limited. For further information, phone (217) 206‑6610.