ADA, Okla. – Chickasaw Nation officials celebrated progress in education programs as they cut the ribbon on a unique child development center and an education administration building. Ribbon cuttings were conducted May 14 at the Child Development Center, 224 Rosedale Road, and the adjacent Douglas H. Johnson Building.

Each room in the 26,700 square-foot Child Development Center is modeled on a familiar building, including a fire station, movie theater, post office and candy store. Familiar nursery rhyme themes – “London Bridge,” “Jack and Jill,” and “The Old Woman That Loved in a Shoe,” are echoed in murals throughout the facility.

“This is much more than a day care center, it is a learning center” said Gov. Bill Anoatubby. “This Center was designed based on the idea that imagination is a natural and important part of the learning and development process. Our goal is to inspire the imagination and make learning fun.”

Other unique features include large indoor play areas and entrance via a playgroup slide. Storm shelters are integrated into the facility. Hallways are designed to resemble small-town streets, complete with street signs in the Chickasaw Language.

“We developed every aspect of this center with children and parents in mind,” said Lisa John, Administrator of the tribal Division of Education. “This is a place where children will be excited to learn and parents will know that their children are in a safe, nurturing environment.”

SMART boards have been integrated into the center to give children an early introduction to computer technology. A SMART board serves as a giant computer touch screen used to display interactive web sites, educational software and games complete with live animation.

Students can control the computer applications directly from the white board, using a device similar to a marker to identify letter, numbers, colors, and shapes. They can also spell words, work math problems and do more advanced hands-on learning activities.

“SMART boards will fit into the overall theme of encouraging children to learn through hands-on activities,” said Mrs. John. “This facility engages all the senses and helps children explore and understand the world while building confidence in a secure surrounding.”

With a star of more than 60 childcare professionals, the center will provide year-round care to approximately 250 children ranging in age form six weeks to five years.

A ribbon cutting for the Douglas H. Johnston building was conducted immediately following at 10 a.m.

Johnston served as governor of the Chickasaw Nation for more than 40 years.

“Governor Johnston was a long-time advocate of education for the Chickasaw people,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “We will work together to continue his vision.”

The Douglas H. Johnston Building houses the Chickasaw Nation Division of Education, which includes Child Care, Head Start and Vocational Rehabilitation departments, among others.

Contributed by: Tony Choate of Chickasaw Tribal Media Relations

From the Chickasaw Times June 2009