Skip to main content
News

Valley City State University Partners with Williston State to open new daycare facility on Williston State College campus

Aug 9, 2023

Valley City State University (VCSU) is announcing a partnership with Williston State College to launch a new early childhood facility on the Williston State College campus.

The newly-minted Bright Beginnings Daycare will officially open on September 18, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. VCSU President Alan LaFave and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Larry Brooks will be in Williston for the grand opening.

VCSU faculty have worked with students from Williston State College for years to assist them in earning a four-year degree, most of those students being education majors focused on becoming teachers. This partnership will enable Williston students to finish their degrees online and teach in their hometown rather than relocating to Valley City to complete the same steps.

The Bright Beginnings Daycare will simultaneously provide childcare relief for working parents while offering hands-on practicum hours for students pursuing a degree in elementary education with an early childhood endorsement. “VCSU is proud to be doing our part to address the critical teacher shortages by developing solid partnerships with North Dakota two-year schools, and we couldn’t be happier to see this idea come to fruition,” said President LaFave.

“The faculty in our School of Education are second-to-none, and work tirelessly to ensure our students have enough practical experience and hands-on work that guarantees they are prepared for the classroom upon graduation,” said VPAA Larry Brooks. This program, among other partnerships, widen VCSU’s reach across the region to provide education to students passionate about education, helping them to become educators.

“The education these children will receive at Bright Beginnings is of a high-level; our students are well-equipped to teach learners of all ages” said Allen Burgad, Dean of the School of Education at VCSU.

To arrange an interview or for questions, contact Tammy Jo Anderson Taft at tammyjo.taft@vcsu.edu or (701) 845-7227.