Earl R. Siler Children's Learning Complex

• Purpose Statement
• History
• A Word About the Logo
• A Word About the Artwork
  

Purpose Statement

The Earl R. Siler Children's Learning Complex is dedicated to the concept that young children are competent individuals who are decision makers actively involved in the learning process. It is the role of the staff of the Children's Learning Complex to facilitate the interests of the child in a steady continuum of appropriate developmental progression and provide a learning environment which is conducive for exploration. Parents are important members of the learning triad. They will also contribute to the implementation of the learning continuum.

The Earl R Siler Children's Learning Complex exists for the following purposes:

• To provide high quality care and educational experiences for young children.
• To help prepare undergraduate and graduate university candidates to work effectively with young children.
• To provide a model early childhood program for the children, families and the early childhood community of Western Pennsylvania.
• To provide enriching experiences that enhance the family.

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History

The Earl R. Siler Children's Learning Complex began in January 1990 when the Child Care Center opened its doors in the newly renovated site in the basement of Ralston Hall. Dr. Charles Leach, Interim President of Clarion University, was the stimulus to begin this program. Dr. Nancy Sayre designed, planned and executed the renovations to the Ralston Hall space. The Child Care Center operated alone for six months while renovations were completed on additional Ralston Hall space. In August of 1990 the Child Development Center was moved from Stevens Hall to the Ralston Hall site. The two programs united and formed the Earl R. Siler Children's Learning Complex. The Complex is named after a former chair of the Clarion University Education Department.

The program has been licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare since 1990, and serves as a laboratory site for the College of Education and Human Services.

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A Word About the Logo

The logo for the Earl R. Siler Children's Learning Complex was designed by Helen Zielinski. The child sitting in the tree represents the children who come to the complex and the butterfly represents the gradual metamorphosis which children experience while at the complex.

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A Word About the Artwork

The environment of the Earl R. Siler Children's Learning Complex is designed to stimulate interest and thought and to facilitate growth in all domains of development. The artwork that is throughout the Complex is placed to enhance the environmental philosophy of the Complex. In the entrance way is a sculpture by Jeannie Baroutsis and a series of paintings depicting a small town during the seasons of the year, by artist Helen Zielinski. Throughout the hallways are prints by well-known artists. The visual artwork coupled with auditory playing of classical music in the hallways and classrooms will enhance the development of the children

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