MCC CDC plans Open House for 100th weekend

McCook Community College’s Child Development Center is inviting all current staff, children and families to an open house Saturday, Sept. 19 from noon-1:30 p.m. in Walsh-Brady Hall as part of MCC’s 100^th celebration.

“It doesn’t matter if you loved building with blocks, exploring the outdoors, playing dress-up, creating in the art area, or eating the yummy food, the CDC holds a special place in so many of our hearts,” said Tyler Esch, MCC Family and Consumer Science Instructor.

She along with fellow instructor Loretta Hauxwell and other teachers and staff will be in the CDC for the open house so everyone can play with Kool-Aid playdough (colored with MCC blue), look through mounds of pictures and scrapbooks, and see what’s new.

“We’re inviting anyone who’s ever been a ‘Daycare Kid’ here, their families and all former and current staff to join us for a time of storytelling, sharing fond memories, and laughter reflecting upon our time together at the CDC,” said Hauxwell.

For those who couldn't attend the 2022 ribbon cutting of the CDC this will be an opportunity to see the extensive changes made. Current and former staff will be there for hand-on fun for the kids and scrapbook photos to share.

The process of the 2022 expansion and improving the 1980s-era began in May of 2021 with many of the upgrades happening on the inside the CDC, where the original space had been reduced to a shell. New walls were framed and drywalled, and new wiring was installed throughout. The former, boxy layout was replaced with an open concept center surrounded by a main cooking area that doubles as a Family and Consumer Sciences classroom, two additional kitchen stations, one of which is set up per Americans with Disabilities Act regulations and rooms designed for specific age groups.

If you weren’t able to attend the 2022 ribbon cutting, the facility will be open for anyone to come tour the facility.

It features infant, toddler and pre-K groups each have their own space with age-appropriate toys designed to encourage learning and imagination. A multipurpose room was created for naptime or playing indoors during inclement weather. The new restroom configuration has a changing table, short toilets and other size-friendly accommodations designed with children in mind and large, energy-efficient windows let in natural light while the décor features geometric patterns – including some in the shape of trees in the main room, vibrant colors, racks full of books, reading nooks, art tables, puppet show booths, stages for performances and many other fun and engaging amenities.

The CDC meets a community need for childcare while also providing a place for MCC students pursuing certificates, diplomas and degrees in early childhood education to obtain real-world, hands-on experience working with youth.

MORE ABOUT MCC 100 - The Child Development Center is the latest group who is inviting all staff, children and families to campus for the college’s 100-year celebration. The entire campus will be an open house with tours in every building on Sept. 19 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Most current and many former instructors will be in their buildings to meet and greet the public and former students.

MCC athletic teams are planning special events for Heritage Days weekend including team reunions and tours of the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center. The MCC Baseball team is having a scrimmage game against Western Nebraska. The MCC men’s and women’s basketball teams are planning to be on the courts at 4 p.m. for a “fanfest” type of opportunity for young fans and old.

Former livestock judging teams from the 1980s are planning a reunion Sept. 19 in the lower level of von Riesen library from 11:30-1:30 with Kent Been and Angus Garey with memories from the MCC Livestock Judging team

An Artist's reception for many of the 54 alumni featured in the MCC Alumni Art Exhibition will be held in the Wrightstone Gallery from 2-4 p.m. that Saturday, Sept. 19 of Heritage Days Weekend.

To find out more about the weekend schedule Sept. 18-19, please check out the "100th Celebration Weekend" on the MPCC website at: https://www.mpcc.edu/mcc_100_years.php