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United Campus Ministry papers, 1970-1972
1971-05-10 Melrose Daycare Center Page 1
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MELROSE DAY CARE CENTER 5-Year Report by Sally Smith, May 10, 1971 Now that Melrose Day Care Center is nearing its 5th anniversary, it seems appropriate and helpful to draw together a few of the highlights, struggles and values of our experience with this program, as well as some historical perspective on the total day care picture in Iowa City. Historical Perspective When Melrose began in November, 1966, there was a U. study, already 3 years old, documenting the great need for day care in Iowa City, with practically no one rising to meet this need except for the Head Start program, 2 or 3 commercial groups, and a number of private individuals, many of whom took children into their homes at far from ideal settings. Today there exist 14 licensed or provisionally licensed facilities (5 commercial, 4 cooperative, 5 service-oriented) which are still far from meeting total needs of this community. There is a more vocal demand for day care all over the country and a more-than-vocal demand here in Iowa City which climaxed quite recently with one group of parents being arrested when they tried to take over a U. house for their space needs. In keeping with our stated aims to foster more day care wherever and however possible, we have been in close touch with the events of this past year. We have sat in on meetings where student parents pushed the U. for more facilities and services (Roger chaired some of these) and where they pressed the state in regard to licensing practices, particularly for children under 2. The Religious Leaders will consider the day care question at the suggestion of the U., with the hope that churches might help to meet more of these needs. I have been asked to arrange and chair that meeting. Values from Melrose Day Care I would like to suggest just a few of these values from this program that have been apparent during its existence. - It has been of real service to parents and children who need good day care. The total number of children and parents served in the past 5 years, if we could add them up, would be phenomenal. We do know that over 80 persons (children & parents) are ministered to for 40-50 hours each week. There are generally children of various nationalities and races enrolled. Occasionally we have emotionally disturbed children and we seek to work with their parents in finding professional help. - Melrose has provided almost as much service for the staff as for children. Staff have always worked more for their own satisfaction and joy than for the money. Staff members have included students, parents, older persons, women, men, several races and nationalities. Melrose has served as approved alternate service for C.O.'s. It has helped U-dropouts, and those without strong vocational intent to find direction and meaning. - Parents have expressed genuine appreciation for Melrose. Many have felt a part of the total program and atmosphere. They have helped with laundry, electrical work, shared musical talents and material needs. There have been parent meetings for discussion, some with speakers, and much one-to-one relationships with staff. A few scholarships have been given to those who needed financial aid. - Volunteers from children to retired persons have aided in wide varieties of ways. The volunteer Service Bureau now helps in finding specific talents that are needed. (continued overleaf)
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MELROSE DAY CARE CENTER 5-Year Report by Sally Smith, May 10, 1971 Now that Melrose Day Care Center is nearing its 5th anniversary, it seems appropriate and helpful to draw together a few of the highlights, struggles and values of our experience with this program, as well as some historical perspective on the total day care picture in Iowa City. Historical Perspective When Melrose began in November, 1966, there was a U. study, already 3 years old, documenting the great need for day care in Iowa City, with practically no one rising to meet this need except for the Head Start program, 2 or 3 commercial groups, and a number of private individuals, many of whom took children into their homes at far from ideal settings. Today there exist 14 licensed or provisionally licensed facilities (5 commercial, 4 cooperative, 5 service-oriented) which are still far from meeting total needs of this community. There is a more vocal demand for day care all over the country and a more-than-vocal demand here in Iowa City which climaxed quite recently with one group of parents being arrested when they tried to take over a U. house for their space needs. In keeping with our stated aims to foster more day care wherever and however possible, we have been in close touch with the events of this past year. We have sat in on meetings where student parents pushed the U. for more facilities and services (Roger chaired some of these) and where they pressed the state in regard to licensing practices, particularly for children under 2. The Religious Leaders will consider the day care question at the suggestion of the U., with the hope that churches might help to meet more of these needs. I have been asked to arrange and chair that meeting. Values from Melrose Day Care I would like to suggest just a few of these values from this program that have been apparent during its existence. - It has been of real service to parents and children who need good day care. The total number of children and parents served in the past 5 years, if we could add them up, would be phenomenal. We do know that over 80 persons (children & parents) are ministered to for 40-50 hours each week. There are generally children of various nationalities and races enrolled. Occasionally we have emotionally disturbed children and we seek to work with their parents in finding professional help. - Melrose has provided almost as much service for the staff as for children. Staff have always worked more for their own satisfaction and joy than for the money. Staff members have included students, parents, older persons, women, men, several races and nationalities. Melrose has served as approved alternate service for C.O.'s. It has helped U-dropouts, and those without strong vocational intent to find direction and meaning. - Parents have expressed genuine appreciation for Melrose. Many have felt a part of the total program and atmosphere. They have helped with laundry, electrical work, shared musical talents and material needs. There have been parent meetings for discussion, some with speakers, and much one-to-one relationships with staff. A few scholarships have been given to those who needed financial aid. - Volunteers from children to retired persons have aided in wide varieties of ways. The volunteer Service Bureau now helps in finding specific talents that are needed. (continued overleaf)
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