Lending Library for Toys at a Mississippi CCR&R center
Most Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) centers across the country offer a volume of information, childcare and daycare centers locations for parents, and support and professional development for child care providers. Well, Mississippi State University’s extension service has gone a step further, opening a Toy Library.
“We have a wealth of resources. Books, toys and games,” said Jocelyn Bass, the site coordinator for the Harrison County CCR&R. “Creative play, costumes, all free of charge. Just come in, fill out an application just like a library, and children can have these resources and learn and play all at the same time.”
“It (the library) provides an extra learning tool. We’re always looking for ways to help our children enhance their learning, their different learning styles. Every child is different and you need different things for every child. It can get so expensive to buy all those things.”
So it may be well worth the trip to see if the center has what you’re looking for before going out and buying a new boy. “It’s free of charge to anybody, child care centers, parents and grandparents. Anyone that has a link to children is welcome to come out” said Bass.
While this is the first state we’ve seen, yet, check with your state’s Child Care Resource and Referral network, and if they’ve not heard of the idea, put them in touch with Mississippi State University. (*see the comment link below with Keri Lewis’ contact information below, with her gracious offer to talk to other states who are interested in starting a similar program!)
Hi Erin!
Thanks for picking up the article on our MSCCR&R Network site on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. We’re excited about the opportunity to spread the word about the materials available for children and families throughout the state.
One point of clarification needs to be made, however: Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) are two different institutions. MSU operates the MSCCR&R Network in all 82 counties, and we’d love to talk to other states who are interested in starting a similar program. Our toll-free number is 1-866-706-8827 or email us at msccrr@ext.msstate.edu.
Best regards,
Keri Lewis
Research & Publications Editor, MSCCR&R Network
Thank you Keri. I updated my post and posted your comments. Please keep us updated on your progress. Thanks, Erin
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