Nicholls State University, in collaboration with the Parish of Ascension, celebrated a significant milestone on April 3 as they joined hands to unveil the West Ascension Early Learning Center in Donaldsonville. According to this news release from Nicholls, the occasion was marked by a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by representatives from Nicholls and esteemed members of the community.

Over the years, Nicholls State University had forged a partnership with the Parish of Ascension, aiming to address a pressing need in the community – access to high-quality, affordable childcare. Recognizing the challenges families faced in accessing such services, they embarked on a journey to establish the Type III early learning center. This center aimed to not only provide childcare but also to lay the foundation for the holistic development of young minds, setting them on a path towards lifelong success and empowering families with opportunities previously beyond their reach.

Lacey Crochet, the Chief Innovation Officer at Nicholls, expressed her enthusiasm about the center’s inauguration, stating, “The opening of the West Ascension Early Learning Center marks the beginning of years of collaboration and investment in the education of children and the community of Donaldsonville. Access to early childhood education is a transformative experience that changes the fabric of communities, providing opportunities for economic and social benefits that will resonate for generations.”

Dr. Mistie Lasseigne, the Executive Director of Early Childhood Initiatives at Nicholls, emphasized the significance of the center in providing comprehensive support to families and residents within the community. She highlighted, “The establishment of the West Ascension Early Learning Center brings child care to the youngest of children within a framework that provides support, resources, workforce development, and guidance to the families and residents within the community.”

The collaborative effort between Nicholls and the Parish of Ascension ensured that the center would adhere to stringent guidelines set forth by esteemed organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Louisiana Early Learning and Development Standards. This ensured that the center’s programs and operational framework would be of the highest standard, nurturing young minds in an environment conducive to their growth and development.

Central to the success of the center were the professionals from Nicholls, who would oversee its day-to-day operations. From managing staffing and curricula to fostering external partnerships with early childhood agencies, they would ensure that the center remained at the forefront of early childhood education.

Nicholls State University’s commitment to early childhood education extended beyond the confines of the West Ascension Early Learning Center. Their Birth to Five/Early Interventionist Education undergraduate program stood as a testament to their dedication to nurturing young minds. By imparting key early-learning concepts and skills to practitioners, they aimed to shape the future of education in Louisiana and beyond.

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Nicholls echoed this commitment, striving to produce highly qualified professionals equipped to meet the diverse needs of the community. Through rigorous curricula and hands-on experiences, they endeavored to mold reflective decision-makers who would make a positive impact in their respective fields.

In conclusion, the inauguration of the West Ascension Early Learning Center marked a significant milestone in the journey towards accessible and high-quality childcare in Donaldsonville. Through collaborative efforts and a shared vision for the future, Nicholls State University and the Parish of Ascension had laid the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow. This initiative not only addresses the immediate need for childcare but also sets a precedent for community-driven educational endeavors that prioritize the well-being and development of future generations.

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