Four years ago Amber Dejmal had her first child as an undergrad at CSU and realized there were no resources on campus to help her succeed as a parent. That’s when Dejmal got the idea for Ram Kidz Village, a daycare to help student-parents.
This daycare center has opened on the second floor of the Morgan Library to cater to parents like Dejmal, especially those who desire to finish their degrees while tending to their child’s needs.
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“Morgan Library allows student-parents to have a block of time to while their children can also participate in educational activities,” said co-founder Amber Dejmal.
Dejmal went on to co-found the Student Parent Group, which was able to rally its members “along with Morgan Library and the Adult Learner and Veteran Services offices,” Dejmal said. “We were able to create a change.”
The Adult Learner and Veteran Service Office (ALVS) went to the Student Fee Review Board for the necessary funding.
They successfully lobbied for a $3.69 student fee increase, which helps pay for the facility, materials and staff for Ram Kidz Village.
As a result, student parents only need to pay an initial cost of $15 per semester if they wanted to use the facilities for an entire semester.
“We have hired people with the most experience with kids, who are CPR certified and have made sure to do thorough background checks,” said Program Coordinator Marjorie Moss.
Senior accounting major Amanda Visscher said she had a very strict study schedule since her babysitters can’t stay late.
“My babysitters aren’t available at night so I have to do my homework whenever I have the opportunity late at night or during nap time,” Visscher said.
Visscher also believes there aren’t enough summer classes available –– a time when she would be able to do a lot of her school work because of condensed classes as well as the availability of more babysitting resources.
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“I get out of class late on Tuesdays and Thursdays and having a daycare in the library would help me a lot. I think it’s a great idea,” Visscher said.
The Ram Kidz Village staff will be holding an open house Sept. 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. to have the CSU community meet the staff and see the space where it’s located.
“All students who have children are encouraged to use this program. Countless people have been working on this program for the last two years and we want to get student parents to utilize this new and amazing resource while also promoting literacy to the children of the student parents,” Dejmal said.
Moonier Said can be reached at news@collegian.com.
