After a long, arduous day of work and school, it can be difficult for a busy parent to find time to give their children the education they deserve.

The Child Development Center at Wichita State is designed for children to learn through playtime in centers within the classroom.

“We say kids learn best through play,” CDC director Jillian Hoefer said.

Some subject areas included are music, physical development, art, writing and sensory-focused exercises.

“They need each of the areas to develop and grow,” Hoefer said.

Each week, teachers design a lesson plan to include all aspects of learning and email the plan to parents. Teachers design lesson plans off of their own themes.

Hoefer said teachers email parents daily. They also develop portfolios for each child, which stay with the children throughout their years at the CDC.

“We have conferences two times per year,” Hoefer said. “Once in the fall, and once in the spring.”

Parents can also check up on their children through an observation booth adjacent to the classroom. The booth has a one-way mirror, so parents can sit at a desk and watch their child’s interactions.

The CDC has optional take-home bags, called Go-Bags, filled with activities for children to do with their parents.

“It’s our way to increase their intelligence abilities when they’re not here,” Hoefer said. “It gets parents involved at home.”

Parents can check out Go-Bags at no cost and return them when they’re finished. They can choose to check out a different bag as well.

In addition to classroom learning, the CDC offers additional programs to children.

“We bring the programs here, so parents don’t have to go elsewhere after hours,” Hoefer said.

Some of the programs offered include KinderMusik, an indoor soccer league called Happy Feet, Kid’s Dance and Tumblebus.

“Tumblebus is where a bus comes, and the inside is full of gymnastic type equipment,” Hoefer said.

The CDC wants to increase their WSU student enrollment.

“Most of our population is regular faculty, staff and alumni,” Hoefer said. “We have some [students] but we would definitely like more.”

Tuition rates are paid bi-weekly. The range of tuition for faculty, staff and alumni is between $305 and $445, depending on the age of the child.

Students enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours receive a discounted rate between $255 and $395. Students with an estimated family contribution of zero receive a further discounted rate between $205 and $345.

For more information on the CDC, visit wichita.edu/childdevelopmentcenter or contact Jillian Hoefer at 978-3109.