Yesterday we were welcomed with open arms at the Berea College Child Development Lab (CDL). No really, a little boy ran right up to me and wrapped his arms around my leg. The lab was very impressive. The first floor contained several classrooms, two infant rooms, a lunch area, and plenty of space for the little ones to run around and ride tricycles. The upstairs had observation stations for students to observe the classrooms and infant rooms below. The CDL primarily provides childcare for the young children of college students, staff, and faculty. Behind the CDL was a wonderful Berea College Eco-Village. They actively filter rain water, compost matter, recycle, grow food, and use solar panels for electricity.

Before we started our hearing screenings here, we had no idea that children could be so well behaved and polite. Many of them listened to our directions carefully, giggled as we showed them our cool "computers" and "flashlights," and cheerfully thanked us on their way out. They appeared very comfortable with the staff at the facility, almost as if they were part of the same big family. It is truly a pleasure to work with children from this community.

Here are a couple of pictures..

The Child Development Lab from the front

The main hallway on the first floor

The room where we perform hearing screenings

The Eco Village behind the Child Development Lab