Each year more than 500 UNI students major in early childhood education and many others are preparing for careers that involve working with young children. The Freeburg Early Childhood Program gives UNI students and faculty, as well as teachers throughout Iowa and the nation, the opportunity to observe a model school employing the best early education practices.

Created by UNI Regents' Center for Early Developmental Education in collaboration with Waterloo Community Schools, Allen College and Allen Health Systems, Inc., the Freeburg Program is housed in R.J. McElroy Hall, a specially designed 13,000-square-foot school located on the Allen College campus. The Program can serve up to 66 children ages three through first grade and enrolls students from various ethnic and economic backgrounds.

Investments by UNI alumni and friends made it possible to create this unique school. The Students First Campaign is now seeking support for endowments that will sustain the mission of the program and assure its ability to serve children, educate future and current teachers and conduct research in early education.

Goal: $2 million

Return on investment:

• Excellent education for young children enrolled in the program.
• Access to model programs for more than 3,000 UNI students preparing for careers in teaching and child development.
• Pre-service and in-service education for Iowa teachers, health professionals, childcare givers and health and human service providers.
• Opportunities for UNI students and faculty to conduct early education research and share their findings with teachers throughout Iowa and the nation.