Some 40 non-traditional SIUE Students form "the late starters" club. The advisor is Virginia Moore, a faculty member in counselor education and director of SIUE's Practicum Center.
The Late Starters Club proposes a child care center be established on the SIUE campus. Linda Hines of Alton is named chair of the club's daycare committee. The proposal is sent to the then- SIUE President John Rendleman.
The SIUE Day Care Center is established, operated by members of the Late Starters. It is located in the building on Lewis Road on the edge of campus that currently houses the SIUE Credit Union. The group applied for state license. Organizers say this will NOT be a "babysitting service", but will have planned early childhood programming.
The SIUE Day Care Center is scheduled to open. Mary Herndon and Mrs. Ed Soliday are named the first teachers. Kathryn Peeler is named a full-time aide. Some 25 students are enrolled for mornings.
Cheryl Oda is named Coordinator of the Center. What was then known as the Educational Division takes over operation of the SIUE Day Care Center.
S. LaVernn Wilson named director of the Early Childhood Education Center.
Ground is broken for a new 5,000 square foot facility to house the Early Childhood Center at the corner of circle drive and Northwest Road. The center's "play yard" is 7,500 square feet.
The newly constructed SIUE Early Childhood Center is dedicated.
More than 200 parents and children attend the 20th birthday celebration of the Early Childhood Center.
ECC Director S. LaVernn Wilson retires after 29 years of service.
Rebecca Dabbs-Kayser named Director.
