The Frasier Center at DHS was originally started (I believe in 1995?) as a solution to keep teen moms in school. Since then, the teen mom problem has gotten much better, though there are usually one or two each year. To me, this is the most important function of the Frasier Center–teen moms can stay in school with subsidized high-quality childcare, and they have frequent contact with their children during the day and this arrangement also encourages breastfeeding. Plus, they benefit greatly from the “mentoring mentality” of the FC director, teachers, and even other parents. The second most important function of FC is the high-quality childcare almost guaranteed to CSD employees. This is a great perk that attracts great teachers. Third, probably the Early Childhood Education lab component for high school students. Not only does the education program benefit from this hands-on opportunity, but the children in the classes generally LOVE the high-schoolers and learn so much from them. Finally, the FC is probably the only childcare center in the area that offers part-time slots, which, on a personal level, saved me from losing a job a few years ago.

I LOVE FC!

The center also provides a setting for the Early Childhood Education students at DHS to have a lab for their class. There are currently 2 pre-K classes housed there that share that same space.