The Campus and Community Children's Center's Brigham Road campus.
Celebrating 50 years of excellence in childcare and learning
The Campus and Community Children's Center (CCCC) was established in 1974 at the State University of New York at Fredonia to provide quality, developmentally appropriate care and education to the children of students, working families and community members.
An academic year of celebratory events will begin on Thursday, Sept. 26, with a Community Open House at the SUNY Fredonia campus location at 11 Brigham Road, Fredonia, from 4:30 until 6 p.m., with a second open house at its Dunkirk location at 752 Central Ave. (Dunkirk School #4), on Monday, Oct. 7, from 4 until 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, a Music Jamboree event will be held at 5 p.m. at the SUNY Fredonia campus location. Young children, family, and community members will celebrate the joy of movement and play through song. Activities including classic finger plays, dances and interactive tunes will have those attending connect with children through music and movement. They will leave with a renewed appreciation for the young musicians, new memories, and play activities to continue at home.
The open houses and music event are free and the public is invited to attend.
Winter and spring 2025 events will include a curriculum night focused on Learning at School and Learning at Home; a past and present staff, volunteer, and board appreciation event; For the Love of Reading with guest readers; a craft and create experience along with a children’s art show; a children’s parade and ice cream social; and a grand celebration in June with children’s activities, tours of the center, food trucks and more.
The CCCC was licensed on Sept. 23, 1974, with its first classrooms serving preschool children located in Thompson Hall on the SUNY Fredonia campus.
In July 2010, the center was relocated to an impressive new building designed specifically with young children in mind constructed with the leadership of then- SUNY Fredonia President Dennis Hefner and CCCC Director Judy Metzger. In addition to its main site, the center established its Dunkirk early learning location in 2017.
Current Executive Director Beth Mulkin noted, “Without support from the college, partner agencies, community leaders, generous benefactors, early childhood supporters, college and school district partners, volunteer board members, and the vision and passion for early childhood education of long-time directors Suzanne McLain and Judy Metzger, we would not be able to say, that we have made a difference in the life of a child, a family, and in the greater community.”
Ms. Metzger added, “It was an honor helping to lead CCCC for 14 years which included the wonderful new building on the SUNY Fredonia campus. CCCC is a win-win-win gem at SUNY for all involved. It is a win for student and community parents providing peace of mind while in class or at work and wonderful campus sharing opportunities such as music and theater in a safe campus setting. It is a win for staff and student interns to learn and grow in a developmentally appropriate setting providing high quality programming. It is also a win for the community, providing employment and a fiscally responsible draw for new families and encouraging community partnerships.”
The CCCC is also a proud partner with SUNY Fredonia’s Early Childhood Education program and Music Education program. It is a training entity for SUNY Fredonia and Jamestown Community College student field experiences, internships, observations, volunteer participation and work placements.
Currently, the center cares for children 8 weeks of age through third grade, and is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Over the decades, it has cared for thousands of children and employed hundreds of staff members, including teachers, assistant teachers, office administration and college students. It is also a participant in QUALITYstarsNY, a quality rating system.
The center’s Early Care and Education Program serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school age students is held in the Brigham Road location. The Dunkirk School #4 building on Central Avenue is home to the CCCC Early Learning Program serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The preschool classrooms are a collaborative partnership between CCCC and the Dunkirk City School District serving 3 and 4-year old students. Extended childcare hours are provided for college students and working families.
A parent noted, “As a parent living hundreds of miles from extended family, I can’t imagine what I would have done without the CCCC. The teachers and staff are not just service providers; they’re our local ‘family.’ My son spends his days with caring people who appreciate him and strive to nurture his interests. He comes home every day singing songs and sharing stories about his adventures with his friends.”
